Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 19, 2025 3 hours, 5 minutes ago
Medical News: Understanding the Role of Good Cholesterol in COVID-19
A new study has uncovered a strong link between low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), commonly known as "good cholesterol," and the severity of COVID-19. French researchers from Université de La Réunion, CHU de La Réunion, INSERM U1188, CHU Bichat-Claude Bernard in Paris, and Clinique Les Orchidées in La Réunion have conducted a comprehensive analysis of how COVID-19 affects cholesterol levels in patients. The study provides crucial insights into the long-term impact of the virus on lipid metabolism and overall cardiovascular health.
Low Levels of Good Cholesterol Linked to Severe COVID-19 Outcomes
This
Medical News report explores the significant findings of the study and what they mean for both COVID-19 survivors and those still battling the disease. The research reveals that HDL-C levels tend to drop significantly during the acute phase of infection, and in many cases, they remain low even months after recovery. Scientists believe this persistent change in cholesterol metabolism may contribute to increased risks of cardiovascular disease in the post-COVID period.
Key Findings of the Study
The study examined a large pool of COVID-19 patients across different severity levels and timeframes. The researchers found the following significant trends:
-Lower HDL-C Levels in Severe Cases: Patients with severe or critical COVID-19 had significantly lower HDL-C levels compared to those with mild or moderate symptoms.
-Persistent Low HDL-C in Long COVID: Even six months post-infection, HDL-C levels did not recover fully in many patients, while total cholesterol and LDL-C ("bad cholesterol") levels increased.
-Increased Risk of Dyslipidemia: A higher risk of developing dyslipidemia, a condition where lipid levels are abnormal, was observed in COVID-19 survivors.
-Relationship Between HDL-C and Mortality: Lower HDL-C levels were linked to a higher risk of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Patients with HDL-C levels lower than 1.0 mmol/L had significantly higher odds of developing severe symptoms and fatal outcomes.
-Structural Changes in HDL Particles: Researchers discovered that the structural integrity of HDL particles was compromised in COVID-19 patients. The composition of HDL changed, with reductions in essential proteins such as ApoA1 and ApoM, which are crucial for HDL’s anti-inflammatory and protective functions.
Why Does COVID-19 Reduce HDL-C Levels?
The exact mechanisms by which COVID-19 reduces HDL-C levels are still being studied, but several factors have been proposed:
-Inflammatory Response: Severe infections trigger an intense
inflammatory response in the body, leading to alterations in lipid metabolism. During inflammation, proteins such as serum amyloid A (SAA) replace ApoA1 in HDL, reducing its ability to transport cholesterol effectively.
-Liver Dysfunction: The liver plays a major role in producing HDL, and COVID-19 has been shown to impact liver function. Damage or stress on the liver could explain why HDL-C production is disrupted during and after infection.
-Increased Clearance of HDL: Some studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the breakdown and clearance of HDL particles, leading to an overall decrease in good cholesterol levels.
Long-Term Consequences of Low HDL-C Post-COVID
As more evidence emerges, scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term cardiovascular effects of COVID-19. The persistent drop in HDL-C levels could contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Some of the main concerns include:
-Higher Risk of Heart Disease: Since HDL-C plays a key role in preventing the buildup of bad cholesterol in arteries, lower levels could accelerate the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
-Persistent Inflammation: COVID-19 has been linked to prolonged inflammation, which may keep HDL-C levels low and increase the likelihood of developing chronic health conditions.
-Long COVID Complications: Many long COVID patients report ongoing fatigue, brain fog, and cardiovascular issues, which may be linked to disrupted lipid metabolism.
Can HDL-C Be Restored After COVID-19?
Experts suggest several strategies to help restore HDL-C levels and mitigate the risks associated with long-term low cholesterol levels:
-Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet rich in unsaturated fats, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can help boost HDL-C levels.
-Medications: Some lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, may help balance cholesterol levels, but their effects on post-COVID HDL-C recovery are still being studied.
-HDL-Mimetic Therapy: Researchers are investigating synthetic HDL-mimicking therapies that could potentially help restore HDL-C function in patients with low levels post-infection.
-Monitoring and Early Intervention: Healthcare providers are encouraged to monitor lipid profiles in COVID-19 survivors to detect and address dyslipidemia early.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study sheds light on how COVID-19 can cause lasting disruptions in cholesterol metabolism, particularly by lowering HDL-C levels. The findings emphasize the need for long-term monitoring of lipid levels in COVID-19 survivors and highlight potential strategies to prevent cardiovascular complications. As scientists continue to explore the broader impacts of the virus, it is becoming increasingly clear that COVID-19 is not just a respiratory illness - it has far-reaching effects on multiple systems in the body, including the cardiovascular and metabolic systems.
Healthcare professionals should consider lipid profile screenings as part of post-COVID assessments, and patients who have recovered from severe infections should remain vigilant about their heart health. Future research may uncover targeted therapies to restore HDL-C levels and reduce the risk of long-term complications, ultimately improving outcomes for those affected by the virus.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Lipid Research.
https://www.jlr.org/article/S0022-2275(25)00039-2/fulltext
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