Triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins and atherosclerosis--where is the link?

The link between raised levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood and atherosclerosis is incontrovertible. The situation with regard to TRLs (triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins) is not as clear. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence that TRLs may in some cases be just as atherogenic as triacylglycerol-poor LDL. This review focuses on three aspects of the link between TRLs and atherosclerosis: (i) the epidemiological evidence for an association between raised levels of TRLs and atherosclerosis, with particular reference to the results of the PROCAM study; (ii) the possible pathophysiological contribution of TRL to atherogenesis at the level of the arterial wall; and (iii) the case for specific lowering of triacylglycerol levels to prevent atherosclerosis.