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. 2009 Apr;50 Suppl(Suppl):S207-12.
doi: 10.1194/jlr.R800074-JLR200. Epub 2008 Dec 4.

The role of oxidized phospholipids in atherosclerosis

Judith A Berliner  1 , Norbert Leitinger, Sotirios Tsimikas
Affiliations

The role of oxidized phospholipids in atherosclerosis

Judith A Berliner et al. J Lipid Res. 2009 Apr.

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs) play an important role in atherosclerosis. These phospholipids accumulate in human and mouse lesions. Specific OxPLs have been identified as major regulators of many cell types present in the vessel wall. In endothelial cells, >1,000 genes are regulated. Some of these genes are pro-atherogenic and others anti-atherogenic. The anti-atherogenic effects are likely important in slowing the atherogenic process. Several receptors and signaling pathways associated with OxPL action have been identified and shown to be upregulated in human lesions. A structural model of the mechanism by which specific OxPLs serve as CD36 ligands has been identified. Specific oxidized phospholipids are also present in plasma and associated with Lp(a) particles. In humans, OxPL/apolipoprotein B has been shown to be a prognostic indicator and a separate risk factor for coronary events. Levels of OxPL in plasma have been shown to be correlated with platelet activation. The results of these studies suggest an important role for OxPL in all stages of atherosclerosis.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Structure of selected bioactive phospholipid oxidation products. All are derived from palmitoyl arachidonyl phosphatidyl choline (PAPC) except that indicated with an asterisk, which is derived from palmitoyl linoleolyl phosphatidyl choline. The full molecule is shown for PAPC and the sn-2 position only for all of the other phospholipids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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