Oxidized low-density lipoprotein biomarkers in atherosclerosis

The concept that the oxidation of lipoproteins is central in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis was first reported over 25 years ago, initially by in vitro studies and subsequently through experimental models of atherosclerosis. The innate immune system plays a key role in atherogenesis as manifested by its atherosclerosis-modulating properties, the immunogenicity of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and the presence of oxidized LDL autoantibodies in plasma and lesions of humans. In the past 10 years it has been possible to generate monoclonal antibodies to oxidized LDL to directly measure oxidized LDL in plasma. This has led to a rapidly accelerating pace of new reports on the relationship of circulating oxidized LDL and various cardiovascular pathologic processes, which are the focus of this review.