AFM investigation on Ox-LDL-induced changes in cell spreading and cell-surface adhesion property of endothelial cells

The integrity and adhesion properties of endothelium play vital roles during atherosclerosis. It is well known that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) influences many physiological activities or mechanical properties of endothelial cells. However, the effects of Ox-LDL on the integrity and nonspecific adhesion properties of endothelial cells are still unclear. In this study, using the topographical imaging and force measurement functions of atomic force microscopy (AFM), we found that Ox-LDL can transiently weaken the integrity of endothelium by impairing cell spreading of endothelial cells and decrease the attachment of irrelevant blood cells to endothelium by impairing the nonspecific adhesion property of endothelial cells. The AFM-based data provide important information for understanding the effects of Ox-LDL on endothelial cells or during atherogenesis.