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Review
. 2021 Jan 11;11(1):39.
doi: 10.3390/life11010039.

LDL-Cholesterol and Platelets: Insights into Their Interactions in Atherosclerosis

Aleksandra Gąsecka  1 , Sylwester Rogula  1 , Łukasz Szarpak  2   3 , Krzysztof J Filipiak  1
Affiliations
Review

LDL-Cholesterol and Platelets: Insights into Their Interactions in Atherosclerosis

Aleksandra Gąsecka et al. Life (Basel). .

Abstract

Atherosclerosis and its complications, including acute coronary syndromes, are the major cause of death worldwide. The two most important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis include increased platelet activation and increased low-density lipoproteins (LDL) concentration. In contrast to LDL, oxidized (ox)-LDL have direct pro-thrombotic properties by functional interactions with platelets, leading to platelet activation and favoring thrombus formation. In this review, we summarize the currently available evidence on the interactions between LDL-cholesterol and platelets, which are based on (i) the presence of ox-LDL-binding sites on platelets, (ii) generation of ox-LDL by platelets and (iii) the role of activated platelets and ox-LDL in atherosclerosis. In addition, we elaborate on the clinical implications of these interactions, including development of the new therapeutic possibilities. The ability to understand and modulate mechanisms governing interactions between LDL-cholesterol and platelets may offer new treatment strategies for atherosclerosis prevention.

Keywords: LDL-cholesterol; atherosclerosis; extracellular vesicles; platelets; treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Interactions between low-density lipoproteins (LDL), oxidized LDL (ox)-LDL and platelets. LDL oxidation is assisted by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ox-LDL bind to resting platelets by cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), leading to platelet activation and expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX1) on platelets. Ox-LDL bind to activated platelets by LOX-1. As a result, activated platelets produce ROS, which results in a vicious circle of LDL oxidation and platelet activation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Role of activated platelets in atherosclerosis onset and development. EC—endothelial cells; LOX-1—lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1; ox-LDL—oxidized low-density lipoproteins; ROS—reactive oxygen species; SMC—smooth muscle cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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