Scientists from the Beijing Joint Medical College have found that low “good” cholesterol levels can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Research published in the journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) in the human body reduce the accumulation of “bad” cholesterol in the arteries by transporting low-density lipoproteins (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) to the liver for their use. For this reason, HDL is also called “good” cholesterol. In addition, some types of HDL have antioxidant activity. It is believed that high HDL levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In the new study, the researchers evaluated data from existing studies that looked at the link between HDL and cancer. They showed that the association between low HDL and breast cancer is highly controversial. Conversely, the association between low HDL and ovarian and endometrial cancer was strong.
It is also possible that a deficiency of HDL receptors (SR-B1) contributes to the migration of cancer cells in prostate tumors and their excess – to the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but the data are conflicting and require confirmation in new studies.
Overall, most published articles reported that lower HDL levels are associated with higher tumor incidence and poorer prognosis. However, some studies have shown contradictory and insignificant results.