Oxidised Low-Density Lipoprotein and Its Receptor-Mediated Endothelial Dysfunction Are Associated with Coronary...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Pediatric Immunology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Kawasaki disease (KD) is a leading cause of acquired pediatric heart disease.
• Coronary artery lesions (CALs) are a serious complication of KD.
• The role of oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and its receptor LOX-1 in KD-associated CALs requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the involvement of the oxLDL/LOX-1 pathway in the development of CALs in KD.
• To assess the potential of plasma oxLDL concentration as an early predictive biomarker for CALs in KD patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 80 KD patients, 20 febrile children, and 20 healthy children.
• Analysis of plasma oxLDL concentration and LOX-1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during the acute phase.
• Correlation analysis between oxLDL/LOX-1 markers and coronary Z-scores.

Main Results:

• Plasma oxLDL concentration and LOX-1 mRNA expression were significantly elevated in KD patients, especially those with CALs.
• A significant positive correlation was observed between plasma oxLDL concentration, LOX-1 mRNA expression, and coronary Z-scores.
• Plasma oxLDL concentration demonstrated a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 77.2% for predicting CALs at a threshold of ≥12.38 mU/L.

Conclusions:

• The oxLDL/LOX-1 axis is likely involved in the pathogenesis of CALs in Kawasaki disease.
• Plasma oxLDL concentration in the acute phase serves as a promising biomarker for early prediction of CALs in KD.