Abstract: The present disclosure demonstrates the successful use of adenovirus mediated gene transfer to increase HDLc in mammalian cells and in mice. BALB/c mice were infected with recombinant adenovirus containing a gene encoding human apolipoprotein A-I (AdCMVApo-I). Immunoreactive apoA-I averaged 168 mg/dl 5 days after infection. HDLc was increased by 35% in infected mice. Lipoprotein analysis revealed that human apoA-I is incorporated into murine HDL particles, producing transient elevations of circulating HDLc of a magnitude correlated with important physiologic effects. Also disclosed are pharmacological preparations to be used to increase serum HDLc in a subject.