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  • Review Article
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The emerging role of HDL in glucose metabolism

Nature Reviews Endocrinology volume 8, pages 237–245 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

A low plasma level of HDL cholesterol is an atherosclerotic risk factor; however, emerging evidence suggests that low HDL levels might also contribute to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through direct effects on plasma glucose. In the past decade, animal and clinical studies have uncovered a previously undescribed spectrum of HDL actions, indicating that HDL may control glucose homeostasis through mechanisms including insulin secretion, direct glucose uptake by muscle via the AMP-activated protein kinase, and possibly enhanced insulin sensitivity. These effects are mediated by multiple cell types via mechanisms including preservation of cell function through cellular lipid removal and also via direct signaling events. We suggest a paradigm shift from HDL being a bystander to being an active player in diabetic pathophysiology, which raises the possibility that HDL elevation could be a novel therapeutic avenue for T2DM. The entry of HDL-raising agents of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor class into late-phase clinical trials creates potential for rapid clinical translation. This Review will discuss the emerging evidence for a role of HDL-mediated glucose regulation in the pathophysiology of T2DM, and will also outline the therapeutic potential for HDL elevation for the prevention and management of T2DM.

Key Points

  • Animal and clinical studies have provided preliminary evidence for a previously undescribed spectrum of HDL actions related to glucose metabolism

  • HDL might influence glucose homeostasis through mechanisms including insulin secretion, enhanced insulin sensitivity and direct glucose uptake by muscle

  • These effects might be mediated by mechanisms including preservation of cellular function through cellular lipid removal and also via direct signaling events

  • The existence of these mechanisms suggests a paradigm shift from HDL being a bystander to being an active player in diabetic pathophysiology

  • HDL-raising agents in development for atherosclerotic vascular disease could also have efficacy in glycemic control, with potential application in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

  • Further human, animal and cellular studies are required to substantiate the effects of HDL on glucose metabolism as well as to delineate mechanisms underlying this relationship and establish its clinical relevance

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Figure 1: Mechanisms affecting HDL and ApoA-I concentrations and functionality in T2DM.
Figure 2: Potential mechanisms by which HDL might influence glucose homeostasis.
Figure 3: Effect of rHDL infusion on plasma insulin and glucose concentrations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors have received grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and the OIS program of the Victorian State Government, Australia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Metabolic and Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, PO Box 6492, St Kilda Road Central, Melbourne, 8008, VIC, Australia

    Brian G. Drew & Bronwyn A. Kingwell

  2.  Heart Research Institute, 7 Eliza Street, Newtown, 2042, NSW, Australia

    Kerry-Anne Rye & Philip Barter

  3. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, PO Box 315, Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, VIC, Australia

    Stephen J. Duffy

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  3. Stephen J. Duffy
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The manuscript was initially drafted by B. G Drew and B. A. Kingwell and then critically reviewed and edited by all authors.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bronwyn A. Kingwell.

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Competing interests

P. Barter declares associations with the following companies: Merck (consultant, speakers bureau, grant/research support), Roche (consultant, speakers bureau, grant/research support). B. A. Kingwell declares associations with the following companies: CSL Behring AG (speakers bureau, grant/research support), F. Hoffmann-La Roche (grant/research support). The other authors declare no competing interests.

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Drew, B., Rye, KA., Duffy, S. et al. The emerging role of HDL in glucose metabolism. Nat Rev Endocrinol 8, 237–245 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2011.235

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