Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in modern societies and is due to atherosclerosis of the arterial wall. Atherosclerosis is caused by the gradual accumulation of mainly cholesterol, extracellular components and dead cell components in the arterial wall that eventually leads to the formation of atheromatic plates. Atheromatic plaques can cause narrowing of the arteries or rupture, resulting in clots that can clog heart vessels (heart attack) or brain vessels (stroke). High density lipoprotein (HDL) protects from atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The main objectives of the proposed study are a) the understanding of mechanisms that disrupt the composition, physiological structure and atheroprotective function of HDL, the possible use of specific changes in HDL for the diagnosis and monitoring of atheromatosis, and the pharmacological modification of changes in HDL and b) to enhance the academic curriculum and the research skills of the new researchers members of the team, who work in a cutting edge field and in an internationally recognised laboratory in the field of lipidity. The results of this study will be presented at national and international scientific conferences and will lead to publications in prestigious scientific journals.