Oxidized low density lipoprotein: the occurrence and metabolism in circulation and in foam cells

Oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) is thought to be involved in the early development of atherosclerotic lesions. The appearance of lipid-laden foam cells is known to be one of the typical features of atherosclerotic lesions, and accumulating evidence has demonstrated that foam cells are formed after taking up OxLDL by macrophages in vitro. However, the modified structures, distribution, and metabolism of OxLDL present in vivo are poorly understood. Recently, our studies, together with others, have demonstrated that OxLDL is actually present in circulating human plasma. Furthermore, we have provided evidence that foam cells accumulate modified apoB fragments derived from OxLDL in the cells. This article reviews recent progress in this field, including the intracellular metabolism of OxLDL in foam cells and the relevance of OxLDL as an in vivo ligand for macrophages.