The effect of carbamylation on the functionality of high-density lipoprotein

Background Increasing interest has focused on the relative functionality of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), highlighted by observations that cardiovascular events can occur even in the presence of high levels of HDL cholesterol. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a heme protein abundant in leucocytes, colocalizes with HDL in the human artery wall and has emerged as a potential participant in multiple phases of the atherosclerotic process. Recently, the MPO/H2O2/ SCNsystem has been demonstrated as a dominant pathway to promote protein carbamylation within atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, we determined whether HDL is carbamylated in the human artery wall.