[Measurement of oxidized LDL and its soluble receptors]

Oxidized LDL and its receptors play important roles in atherosclerotic progression and atherosclerotic plaque rupture, by enlarging the lipid core and weakening the fibrous cap. Oxidized LDL, in fact, induces foam cell transformation of macrophages, production of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs), and apoptosis of smooth muscle cells. Oxidized LDL concentrations in circulating blood in humans have been shown to be elevated in diabetes and atherosclerotic vascular diseases, especially acute coronary syndrome. Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1(LOX-1) is a cell surface receptor for oxidized LDL, which is abundantly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and is involved in oxidized LDL-induced MMP production and apoptosis. Soluble LOX-1 concentration in human blood also have been shown to be elevated in coronary heart diseases especially in acute coronary syndrome.