A proposal linking clearance of circulating lipoproteins to tissue metabolic activity as a basis for understanding atherogenesis

This review has summarized and integrated presently available information about circulating lipoprotein levels and tissue catabolic activities, two areas of investigation that have traditionally been addressed to different aspects of the problem of atherogenesis. Admittedly, broad and sweeping predictions of pattern have been proposed based on a relatively small number of pertinent studies. The importance of continuing this type of synthesis of knowledge seems obvious, however, both in terms of understanding the problem of atherogenesis better and perhaps in devising new interventions, that gain in precision, effectiveness, and sophistication from the added dimensions provided. The shape of the problem is discernible and the challenge to solve it waiting for those who would take it.