In this postdoctoral lecture qualification the role of phospholipid-transferprotein (PLTP), which is mainly involved in the lipoprotein transfer of phospholipids, in atherosclerotic diseases is evaluated in clinical studies as well as in in vivo (mouse models) and in vitro experiments. It could be shown that first, an elevation of PLTP-activity is associated with atherosclerotic diseases, second, aspects of this potentially pro-atherogenic effects are associated with inflammation and elevation of postprandial lipoproteins, and third, PLTP-activity is not a prognostic marker for patients with atherosclerotic diseases. The prognostic impact of PLTP in patients with atherosclerotic diseases should be further evaluated as a potentially therapeutic target. |