Plasmalogens of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are associated with coronary artery disease and anti-apoptotic activity of HDL

•Plasmalogens and sphingosine-1-phosphates (S1Ps) modulate the anti-apoptotic capacity of HDL towards endothelial cells.•The inclusion of the plasmalogen PC35:2 improves the anti-apoptotic effect of reconstituted HDL towards endothelial cells.•The content in plasmalogens PC33:3 and PC35:2 but not S1Ps is decreased in HDL of patients with ACS or CHD.•Altogether the data suggest that some plasmalogens contribute to the antiatherogenic properties of HDL.