Reverse cholesterol transport and other functions of high density lipoprotein are enhanced after bariatric surgery

Emerging evidence suggests that impaired high density lipoprotein (HDL) function is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). HDL is essential for removing excess circulating cholesterol by reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Additionally HDL reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, especially through paraoxonase-1. Whereas HDL’s capacity to accept cholesterol from peripheral cells is key (i.e. cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC)), successful RCT depends on the transporters ATP-binding-cassette (ABC-) A1, G1 and scavenger receptor-B1 (SR-B1). Previous studies suggest weight-independent reductions in CVD after bariatric surgery (BS) although the exact mechanisms are unclear. We studied the impact of BS on HDL function with a specific focus on the principal components of RCT (CEC and transporters).