Vascular protection by high-density lipoprotein-associated sphingosine-1-phosphate

Epidemiological studies and animal experiments have consistently demonstrated cardiovascular protection by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Findings from a growing number of studies further indicate that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) mediates many of the beneficial effects of HDL on the cardiovascular system, including vasodilatation, angiogenesis, maintenance of endothelial barrier function, and protection against atherosclerosis and ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this review, we summarize the most recent literature investigating the effects of HDL-S1P on cardiovascular health and highlight potential opportunities for clinical translation of these findings.