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Published on: August 23, 2011
The Role of (Modified) Lipoproteins in Vascular Function: A Duet Between Monocytes and the Endothelium
Johan G Schnitzler1, Geesje M Dallinga-Thie1,2, Jeffrey Kroon1,2
1Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Insights
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and other lipoproteins like lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contribute to atherosclerosis by promoting inflammation and monocyte activation. Understanding these roles is crucial for managing cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- Modified LDL exhibits inflammatory properties, impairing endothelial integrity and promoting immune cell infiltration and foam cell formation.
- LDL influences monocyte behavior, facilitating their migration into the subendothelial space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the atherogenic roles of various lipoproteins.
- To explore the impact of lipoproteins on monocyte and endothelial cell inflammation.
- To highlight the contribution of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] to atherogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on lipoprotein function in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying lipoprotein-induced inflammation.
- Examination of lipoprotein effects on monocyte and endothelial cell pathways.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence implicates lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in activating peripheral monocytes and promoting endothelial transmigration.
- Remnant cholesterol plays a significant role in endothelial dysfunction and altered monocyte behavior.
- Both LDL and other lipoproteins contribute to inflammatory processes at the monocyte and endothelial levels.
Conclusions:
- Lipoproteins beyond LDL, including TRL and Lp(a), are increasingly recognized for their atherogenic potential.
- Targeting lipoprotein-mediated inflammation in monocytes and endothelium may offer novel therapeutic strategies for CVD.
- A comprehensive understanding of lipoprotein involvement in atherosclerosis is essential for effective CVD prevention and treatment.
Abstract:
Over the last century, many studies have demonstrated that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a key risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) related to atherosclerosis. Thus, for these CVD patients, LDL lowering agents are commonly used in the clinic to reduce the risk for CVD. LDL, upon modification, will develop distinct inflammatory and proatherogenic potential, leading to impaired endothelial integrity, influx of immune cells and subsequent increased foam cell formation. LDL can also directly affect peripheral monocyte composition, rendering them in a more favorable position to migrate and accumulate in the subendothelial space. It has become apparent that other lipoprotein particles, such as triglyceride- rich lipoproteins or remnants (TRL) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] may also impact on atherogenic pathways. Evidence is accumulating that Lp(a) can promote peripheral monocyte activation, eventually leading to increased transmigration through the endothelium. Similarly, remnant cholesterol has been identified to play a key role in endothelial dysfunction and monocyte behavior. In this review, we will discuss recent developments in understanding the role of different lipoproteins in the context of inflammation at both the level of the monocyte and the endothelium.
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