Does human HDL containing a novel apoC-I isoform induce smooth muscle cell apoptosis?
Some HDL subclasses enriched in a novel isoform of apoC-I induce extensive ASMC apoptosis in vitro. Individuals with this apoptotic HDL phenotype generally have higher apoC-I and HDL-C levels consistent with an inhibitory effect of apoC-I on cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity. The association of this phenotype with processes that can promote plaque rupture may explain a source of CHD risk not accounted for by the classical risk factors.
Working conditions seem to partly explain the increased rate of disability pension among men and women with lower education even though this association does reflect considerable selection effects based on factors already present in late childhood.