Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease [1]. While various mechanisms are involved in this association, the reduction in the circulating level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, by smoking is well known [1]. Furthermore, smoking is a source of oxidants, leading to oxidative modification of in vivo molecules [1], and HDL is modified oxidatively as oxidised HDL (oxHDL) [2]. Because oxHDL lacks the native HDL function (i.e. suppression of the antioxidative function of apolipoprotein A-I, inhibition of ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux from atheromatous lesions) [1–3], the oxHDL behaviour may explain the association among smoking, HDL and cardiovascular disease.