Potential restoration of HDL function with apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide in end-stage renal disease.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level is low in dialysis patients. The HDL that is present is dysfunctional, failing to protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation and reduce levels of oxidized LDL. Addition of the orally absorbable amphipathic peptide 4-F to LDL obtained from dialysis patients protects LDL from oxidation in vitro and reduces the capacity of oxidized LDL to induce expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by vascular endothelial function in culture, potentially providing a tool to reduce cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients.