Figure 1

Effect of adipocyte on HDL. Hypertrophied adipocytes manifest several altered metabolic properties that play a role in lowered HDL-C. Adipocyte inflammation impairs its cholesterol efflux to HDL while cholesterol influx to adipocyte is increased in the state of obesity. In addition, altered adipokines downregulate apoA-I and ABCA1 gene expression in hepatocytes, thus reduce HDL assembly in the liver. ABCA1, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1; SR-BI, scavenger receptor type-BI; APN, adiponectin; TNF-a, tumor necrosis factor-α; IL-1β, interleukin-β; ATMc, adipose tissue macrophage content; apoA-I, apolipoprotein AI; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.