High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was negatively correlated with inflammatory biomarkers in people with atopic asthma, according to an NIH study described by Medscape. 

In the current study, the NIH team looked at the association between serum lipids and lipoproteins and markers of type 2 inflammation in 165 atopic asthmatics and 163 non-asthmatics.

Serum HDL was negatively correlated with blood eosinophil count in the atopic asthmatics, independent of age, sex, race, body mass index, and serum levels of C-reactive protein. The link was mediated by large HDL particles, and there was also an inverse association between total HDL particles and serum periostin. Triglycerides were positively associated with eosinophil count.

“It parallels what people have reported and known for a long time in cardiovascular disease, that HDL may have a protective role and triglycerides may have a negative role,” Dr Barochia said. “We haven’t actually proven causality, we’ve just found an association, so this requires more study so we can define a mechanism.”

Read more at www.medscape.com