Growth-promoting effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is a causative agent in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. It is believed to act in part by stimulating the proliferation of cells in the vessel wall. The present paper reviews the effects of oxLDL on proliferation in cultured vascular cells, as well as possible mechanisms by which oxLDL induces its mitogenic effect. These mechanisms include induction of cell cycle proteins, transcription factors, cytokines, growth factors and enzymes involved in mitogenesis.