Oxidized-LDL and atherosclerosis. Role of LOX-1.

The accumulation of substantial numbers of monocyte/macrophages and activated T lymphocytes in focal areas of the arterial intima appears to be a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Our report demonstrated that lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), a polar phospholipid component that is increased in atherosclerotic lipoproteins, such as oxidized LDL and remnant lipoproteins in diabetic and Type 3 hyperlipidemia, can upregulate adhesion molecules for monocytes and T lymphocytes, and growth factors, such as heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and PDGF A and B chains. Recently, we identified the novel receptor for oxidized LDL, named LOX-1. We summarize the importance of the interaction between oxidized LDL and its receptor, LOX-1, in terms of early stage atherogenesis.