Sweet swell of burning fat: emerging role of high-density lipoprotein in energy homeostasis.

Purpose of review: Metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), plays a central role in energy homeostasis. Mechanisms underlying the relationship between energy homeostasis and HDL however remain poorly studied.

Recent findings: Available evidence reveals that HDL is implicated in energy homeostasis. Circulating high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are affected by energy production, raising with increasing resting metabolic rate. Lipolysis of triglycerides as a source of energy decreases plasma levels of remnant cholesterol, increases levels of HDL-C, and can be cardioprotective. Switch to preferential energy production from carbohydrates exerts opposite effects.

Summary: Low HDL-C may represent a biomarker of inefficient energy production from fats. HDL-C-raising can be beneficial when it reflects enhanced energy production from burning fat.