Question

Which of the following statements about high-density lipoproteins (HDL) is FALSE?

• A. HDL increases oxidation of LDL
• B. HDL reduces foam cell production by LDL
• C. HDL is the best predictor of coronary artery disease
• D. HDL helps to clear lipids from atheroma

Hint:

HDL is protective; pick the statement that contradicts its antioxidant role.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the protective role of HDL. HDL is the antiatherogenic lipoprotein, often called good cholesterol.
Step 2: Evaluate option 1. HDL actually carries antioxidant enzymes (such as paraoxonase) that PREVENT oxidation of LDL. Saying HDL increases LDL oxidation is the opposite of the truth, so this statement is FALSE and is the answer to a question asking for the false statement.
Step 3: Verify option 2 is true. By promoting cholesterol efflux and limiting oxidized LDL uptake, HDL reduces macrophage foam cell formation.
Step 4: Verify option 3 is true. A low HDL level is one of the strongest lipid predictors of coronary artery disease risk.
Step 5: Verify option 4 is true. Through reverse cholesterol transport, HDL removes cholesterol from peripheral tissues and atheromatous plaques and returns it to the liver.
Conclusion: The false statement is that HDL increases oxidation of LDL, so the correct answer is option 1.