What is the role of HDLs in the body?

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) play a crucial role in lipid metabolism, particularly in cholesterol transport within the body. Their primary function is to retrieve excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and transport it back to the liver. This process is vital for maintaining cholesterol balance and preventing the buildup of cholesterol in arteries, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

The liver can repurpose the cholesterol for bile acid production or excrete it from the body, making HDLs essential in the body's overall lipid homeostasis. This retrieval of cholesterol is often referred to as reverse cholesterol transport, distinguishing HDLs from other lipoproteins that primarily transport cholesterol and triglycerides to tissues. This characteristic underpins the protective cardiovascular effects associated with higher levels of HDL cholesterol in the blood.