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Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor LOX-1 and apoptosis in human atherosclerotic lesions.

BACKGROUND: Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), a novel receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein, mediates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis of endothelial cells, monocyte adhesion to endothelium, and phagocytosis of aged cells. The present study examined the role of LOX-1 and apoptosis in human atherosclerotic lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Grafted vein (n = 8), human carotid artery endarterectomy (n = 11), and normal human internal mammary artery (n = 8) specimens were used to study the expression of LOX-1 and apoptosis. LOX-1 expression was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western analysis, and immunostaining. Presence of apoptosis was determined by fluorescent in situ nick end-labeling staining and by the presence of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protein (an apoptotic marker). Expression of LOX-1 was significantly increased in atherosclerotic grafted vein and carotid artery specimens compared with that in normal arteries. LOX-1 was expressed in endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells. LOX-1 was extensively expressed in the new blood vessels in the core of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Double immunostaining showed LOX-1 expression to be colocalized with apoptotic cells. Fluorescent in situ nick end-labeling staining showed that the apoptotic cells were present mostly in the rupture-prone regions of the atherosclerotic plaque. CONCLUSION: These observations indicate that LOX-1 is extensively expressed in the proliferated intima of grafted veins and in advanced atherosclerotic carotid arteries. Further, LOX-1 is colocalized with apoptotic cells. These observations may relate to the phenomenon of plaque rupture, and provide targets for developing new therapies.

Aged↗

Single-site manipulation of tomato chromosomes in vitro and in vivo using Cre-lox site-specific recombination.

With the aim of developing new techniques for physical and functional genome analysis, we have introduced the Cre-lox site-specific recombination system into the cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Local transposition of a Ds(lox) transposable element from a T-DNA(lox) on the long arm of chromosome 6 was used to position pairs of lox sites on different closely linked loci. In vitro Cre-lox recombination between chromosomal lox sites and synthetic lox oligonucleotides cleaved the 750 Mb tomato genome with 34 bp specificity to release unique 65 kb and 130 kb fragments of chromosome 6. Parallel in vitro experiments on Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes show the efficiency of cleavage to be 50% per chromosomal lox site at maximum. By expressing the Cre recombinase in tomato under control of a constitutive CaMV 35S promoter, efficient and specific somatic and germinal in planta inversion of the 130 kb fragment is demonstrated. The combined use of in vitro and in vivo recombination on genetically mapped lox sites will provide new possibilities for long range restriction mapping and in vivo manipulation of selected tomato genome segments.

Chromosomes↗

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel class of rofecoxib analogues as dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenases (COXs) and lipoxygenases (LOXs).

A group of 4-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-3-phenyl-2(5H)furanones possessing an acetyl, 3-oxobut-1-ynyl, [hydroxyl(or alkoxy)imino]alkyl, [hydroxyl(or alkoxy)imino]alkynyl, and N-alkoxy(or N-phenoxy)carbonyl-N-hydroxy-N-ethylamino substituents at the para-position of the C-3 phenyl ring of rofecoxib were synthesized. This group of compounds was designed for evaluation as dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenases (COXs) and lipoxygenases (LOXs) that exhibit in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. In vitro COX-1/COX-2, and 5-LOX/15-LOX, isozyme inhibition structure-activity relationships identified 3-[4-(1-hydroxyimino)ethylphenyl]-4-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-2(5H)furanone (17a) having an optimal combination of COX-2 (COX-2 IC50 = 1.4 microM; COX-2 SI > 71), and 5-LOX and 15 LOX (5-LOX IC50 = 0.28 microM; 15-LOX IC50 = 0.32 microM), inhibitory effects. It was also discovered that 3-[4-(3-hydroxyiminobut-1-ynyl)phenyl]-4-(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-2(5H)furanone (18a) possesses dual COX-2 (IC50 = 2.7 microM) and 5-LOX (IC50 = 0.30 microM) inhibitor actions. Further in vivo studies employing a rat carrageenan-induced paw edema model showed that the oxime compounds (17a, 18a) were more potent anti-inflammatory agents than the 5-LOX inhibitor caffeic acid, and 15-LOX inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), but less potent than the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. The results of this investigation showed that incorporation of a para-oxime moiety on the C-3 phenyl ring of rofecoxib provides a suitable template for the design of dual inhibitors of the COX and LOX enzymes.

Analgesics↗

Oxidized LDL through LOX-1 modulates LDL-receptor expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells.

Experimental studies have shown that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) up-regulates its receptor LOX-1. Both ox-LDL and LOX-1 are expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. Native LDL concentrations are elevated in atherosclerosis, suggesting a reduction in LDL-receptors. We hypothesized that ox-LDL via LOX-1 could influence the expression of LDL-receptors. This study was designed to examine the interaction between ox-LDL, LOX-1, and LDL-receptors in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). HCAECs were incubated with ox-LDL (10-80 microg/ml) for 3-24h. Ox-LDL decreased the expression of LDL-receptor in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. The effects of ox-LDL were mediated by its endothelial receptor LOX-1, since pretreatment of HCAECs with a blocking antibody to LOX-1 (JTX92, 10 microg/ml) prevented the effect of ox-LDL on LDL-receptor expression. The role of LOX-1 was further confirmed by the use of an antisense to LOX-1 mRNA, which also blocked the effect of ox-LDL in LDL-receptor expression. In other experiments, ox-LDL as expected induced superoxide anion generation; and pretreatment of HCAECs with the anti-oxidants trolox and alpha-tocopherol (each 10 microM) inhibited the formation of superoxide anions as well as the down-regulation of LDL-receptor in response to ox-LDL. These studies provide the first evidence that ox-LDL via LOX-1 modulates LDL-receptor expression in HCAECs. The generation of free radicals elicited by ox-LDL may be a key step in this process.

Antioxidants↗

LOX-1 scavenger receptor mediates calcium-dependent recognition of phosphatidylserine and apoptotic cells.

The LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1) scavenger receptor regulates vascular responses to oxidized-low-density-lipoprotein particles implicated in atherosclerotic plaque formation. LOX-1 is closely related to C-type lectins, but the mechanism of ligand recognition is not known. Here we show that human LOX-1 recognizes a key cellular phospholipid, PS (phosphatidylserine), in a Ca2+-dependent manner, both in vitro and in cultured cells. A recombinant, folded and glycosylated LOX-1 molecule binds PS, but not other phospholipids. LOX-1 recognition of PS was maximal in the presence of millimolar Ca2+ levels. Mg2+ was unable to substitute for Ca2+ in LOX-1 binding to PS, indicating a Ca2+-specific requirement for bivalent cations. LOX-1-mediated recognition of PS-containing apoptotic bodies was dependent on Ca2+ and was decreased to background levels by bivalent-cation chelation, LOX-1-blocking antibodies or PS-containing liposomes. The LOX-1 membrane protein is thus a Ca2+-dependent phospholipid receptor, revealing novel recognition of phospholipids by mammalian lectins.

Animals↗

Genomic organization and regulation of expression of the lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1) gene.

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1) is a recently identified receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein, one of the major atherogenic substances. Although LOX-1 was reported to be expressed abundantly in endothelial cells, including atheromatous lesions, the regulation of LOX-1 gene has not yet been clarified. In the present study, we isolated the rat LOX-1 gene and investigated the regulation of gene expression. The rat LOX-1 gene was encoded by a single copy gene spanning over 19 kilobases and consisted of eight exons. Exon boundaries correlated well with the functional domain boundaries of the receptor protein. The promoter region contained putative TATA and CAAT boxes and multiple cis-elements such as NF-kappaB, AP-1 and AP-2 sites, and a shear stress response element. Northern blot analysis revealed that LOX-1 gene expression was up-regulated 9-fold by shear stress, 21-fold by lipopolysaccharide, and 4-fold by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in cultured vascular endothelial cells. LOX-1 was also expressed in macrophages but not in vascular smooth muscle cells. These data provide important information for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of LOX-1 gene regulation and suggest a role for LOX-1 in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Animals↗

Statins modulate oxidized low-density lipoprotein-mediated adhesion molecule expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells: role of LOX-1.

LOX-1, a receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), plays a critical role in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. LOX-1 activation also plays an important role in monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. A number of studies show that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) reduce total LDL cholesterol and exert a cardioprotective effect. We examined the modulation of LOX-1 expression and its function by two different statins, simvastatin and atorvastatin, in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). We observed that ox-LDL (40 microg/ml) treatment up-regulated the expression of E- and P-selectins, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in HCAECs. Ox-LDL mediated these effects via LOX-1, since antisense to LOX-1 mRNA decreased LOX-1 expression and subsequent adhesion molecule expression. Pretreatment of HCAECs with simvastatin or atorvastatin (1 and 10 microM) reduced ox-LDL-induced expression of LOX-1 as well as adhesion molecules (all P < 0.05). A high concentration of statins (10 microM) was more potent than the low concentration (1 microM) (P < 0.05). Both statins reduced ox-LDL-mediated activation of the redox-sensitive nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) but not AP-1. These observations indicate that LOX-1 activation plays an important role in ox-LDL-induced expression of adhesion molecules. Inhibition of expression of LOX-1 and adhesion molecules and activation of NF-kappaB may be another mechanism of beneficial effects of statins in vascular diseases.

Atorvastatin↗

Pravastatin inhibits expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits: a new pleiotropic effect of statins.

BACKGROUND: LOX-1, a receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), seems to play a critical role in foam cell formation of macrophages (Mphis) and smooth muscle cells (SMC). Inhibition of LOX-1 expression reduces foam cell formation and might influence lipid core formation in atherosclerotic lesions. Because statins are able to downregulate LOX-1 expression in vitro, we examined if pravastatin can be used to reduce LOX-1 expression and lipid core formation in lesions of Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pravastatin downregulated LOX-1 expression in cultured human Mphis and in cultured human aortic SMCs. Homozygous WHHL rabbits were treated with 50 mg kg(-1) d(-1) pravastatin for 32 weeks. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that LOX-1 was expressed in intimal Mphis and SMCs of atherosclerotic lesions. The pravastatin-treated rabbits showed, compared with untreated rabbits, a significantly reduced LOX-1 protein and mRNA expression in the aortic arch. Lipid labeling of this aorta region also demonstrated a strong reduction of the ratio of lipid core area/total lesion area in pravastatin-treated rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: The in vivo inhibition of LOX-1 expression by pravastatin demonstrated here represents a new pleiotropic effect of pravastatin. This in vivo inhibition of LOX-1 might be one mechanism for the lipid core reducing effect of pravastatin in atherogenesis.

Animals↗

[Molecular identification of LOX-1 and analysis of its pathophysiological role].

Recent progress in the study of atherosclerosis revealed that the proatherogenic property of LDL is attributable to oxidized LDL. Macrophages recruited to vascular wall phagocytose oxidized LDL and transformed into foam cells, which is a hallmark of atheroma. Endothelial cells also binds oxidized LDL and changes its phenotype to the status of "endothelial dysfunction." We successfully cloned the endothelial receptor for oxidized LDL, designated LOX-1. LOX-1-mediated action of oxidized LDL induces the decrease in NO release and the increased expression of adhesion molecules, which are typical changes in endothelial dysfunction. The expression of LOX-1 is quite inducible. Proinflammatory cytokines, etc. induce the expression of LOX-1 in vitro; and proatherogenic conditions, e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, induce the expression of LOX-1 in vivo. This manner of expression suggests the importance of LOX-1 in pathological settings. LOX-1 binds not only oxidized LDL, but also binds apoptotic cells and activated platelets through the interaction with anionic phospholipids. This property might bridge atherosclerosis and thrombosis. A novel system to detect LOX-1 ligand in plasma detected the increased level of LOX-1 ligand in hypercholesterolemic rabbits compared with normal ones. This system might be useful to predict the status of endothelial function and the risk of ischemic heart disease.

Animals↗

Expression of LOX-1, an oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor, in experimental hypertensive glomerulosclerosis.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) has been implicated in atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis. LOX-1 is a recently identified OxLDL receptor that is abundantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate LOX-1 expression in the kidneys of hypertensive rats. Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and salt-resistant (DR) rats were fed a 0.3% or 8% NaCl diet. Some DS 8% rats were treated with manidipine or hydralazine. LOX-1 gene expression was markedly elevated in the kidneys and glomeruli of hypertensive DS 8% rats compared with those of normotensive DR and DS 0.3% rats. Prolonged salt loading further increased the renal LOX-1 expression in DS rats. The LOX-1 upregulation in DS 8% rats was accompanied by renal overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and type I collagen, impaired renal function, and histologic glomerulosclerotic changes, all of which were ameliorated by antihypertensive treatment. LOX-1 was indeed expressed in the glomeruli in vivo and in cultured glomerular cells in vitro. However, LOX-1 expression was elevated in the aorta but not the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats, which exhibited hypertension but minor glomerulosclerotic changes. In conclusion, the LOX-1 upregulation in the kidney of DS 8% rats was parallel to glomerulosclerotic changes and renal dysfunction, suggesting a possible pathogenetic role for renal LOX-1 in the progression to hypertensive glomerulosclerosis.

Animals↗

LOX-1 supports adhesion of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Adhesion of bacteria to vascular endothelial cells as well as mucosal cells and epithelial cells appears to be one of the initial steps in the process of bacterial infection, including infective endocarditis. We examined whether lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1), a member of scavenger receptor family molecules with C-type lectin-like structure, can support adhesion of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO-K1) cells stably expressing LOX-1 can support binding of FITC-labeled Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which was suppressed by poly(I) and an anti-LOX-1 mAb. Adhesion of these bacteria to LOX-1 does not require divalent cations or serum factors and can be supported under both static and nonstatic conditions. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) can also support adhesion of FITC-labeled S. aureus, which was similarly suppressed by poly(I) and an anti-LOX-1 mAb. In contrast, binding of FITC-labeled E. coli to BAEC was partially inhibited by the anti-LOX-1 mAb, and poly(I) did not block FITC-labeled E. coli adhesion to BAEC, but, rather, enhanced it under a static condition. TNF-alpha increased LOX-1-dependent adhesion of E. coli, but not that of S. aureus, suggesting that S. aureus adhesion to BAEC may require additional molecules, which cooperate with LOX-1 and suppressed by TNF-alpha. Taken together, LOX-1 can work as a cell surface receptor for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as S. aureus and E. coli, in a mechanism similar to that of class A scavenger receptors; however, other unknown molecules may also be involved in the adhesion of E. coli to BAEC, which is enhanced by poly(I).

Animals↗

Upregulation of LOX-1 expression in aorta of hypercholesterolemic rabbits: modulation by losartan.

Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) enhances the modification of LDL and the expression of its lectin-like receptor (LOX-1) by activating type 1 (AT(1)) receptors. This study was designed to determine the effect of hypercholesterolemia on LOX-1 expression in aorta and its modulation by the AT(1) receptor blocker losartan. Male New Zealand White rabbits were fed regular chow (Control group), chow with 1% cholesterol and 4% peanut oil (HC-diet group), or 1% cholesterol and 4% peanut oil diet plus losartan (25 mg/kg/day) (Losartan + HC-diet group) for 10 weeks. Animal body weight, serum cholesterol levels, and arterial blood pressure were measured. Aortic intimal thickening was quantitated in H&E-stained segments. LOX-1 expression in aortas was examined by immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative RT-PCR. High-cholesterol diet did not affect body weight, but induced hypercholesterolemia and extensive intimal thickening. Aortas of rabbits in the control group showed a modest LOX-1 expression in the endothelium. Aortic intimal proliferation in HC-diet group was associated with a marked increase in LOX-1 expression (protein and mRNA) in the endothelium and neointima. Treatment with losartan attenuated aortic intimal proliferation and markedly decreased the enhanced LOX-1 expression. Thus high-cholesterol diet induces the upregulation of LOX-1 expression in neointima of aortas of rabbits. Treatment with losartan, an AT(1) blocker, markedly decreases this enhanced LOX-1 expression.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗

Activation-dependent surface expression of LOX-1 in human platelets.

Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) was initially identified as an oxidized LDL receptor in aortic endothelial cells. Here we identified LOX-1 mRNA and protein in human platelets in addition to recent findings on the expression in macrophages and smooth muscle cells. The presence of LOX-1 was further confirmed in the megakaryocytic cell lines. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that LOX-1 was exposed on the surface of platelets in an activation-dependent manner. Consistently, the activation-dependent binding of OxLDL to platelets was mostly inhibited by anti-LOX-1 antibody. Immunohistochemistry of the atherosclerotic plaque from a patient with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) revealed accumulation of LOX-1 protein at the site of thrombus. As LOX-1 recognizes and binds activated platelets, exposure of LOX-1 on activated platelets surface might assist thrombosis formation.

Animals↗

Role of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) in the development of hypertensive organ damage.

Recently, a novel endothelial oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX)-1, has been identified by the expression cloning of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). The experimental evidence has suggested that LOX-1 may contribute to the development of vascular injury. For example, LOX-1 is upregulated in aorta from hypertensive, diabetic, and hyperlipidemic model animals. Also, LOX-1 overexpression is observed in atherosclerotic regions and damaged kidneys. In hypertensive animals, not only antihypertensive drugs but also antioxidant agents suppress the LOX-1 overexpression. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) activators inhibit cytokine-stimulated LOX-1 expression, possibly through their antioxidant effects, while, in contrast, LOX-1 generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, ROS may play an important role in both the expression and function of LOX-1.

Animals↗

15-LOX-1 inhibits p21 (Cip/WAF 1) expression by enhancing MEK-ERK 1/2 signaling in colon carcinoma cells.

Currently, some controversy exists regarding the precise role of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) in colorectal carcinogenesis and other aspects of cancer biology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 15-LOX-1 on p21 (Cip/WAF 1) expression and growth regulation in human colon carcinoma cells. The effect of 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE), a product of 15-LOX-1, on p21 (Cip/WAF 1) expression was evaluated in Caco-2 cells treated with sodium butyrate (NaBT) and/or nordihydroguaiarectic acid (NDGA), a LOX inhibitor. The effect of transfecting HCT-116 cells with 15-LOX-1 was also examined. NaBT-induced p21 (Cip/WAF 1) expression was enhanced by treatment with NDGA and 13-S-HODE reversed NaBT-induced p21 (Cip/WAF 1) expression in Caco-2 cells. Overexpression of 15-LOX-1 induced extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation, decreased p21 (Cip/WAF 1) expression, and increased HCT-116 cell growth. Treatment with NDGA decreased ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, and increased p21 (Cip/WAF 1) expression in 15-LOX-1 overexpressing HCT-116 cells. Our experimental results support the hypothesis that 15-LOX-1 may have "pro-neoplastic" effects during the development of colorectal cancer.

Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase↗

LOX-1 pathway affects the extent of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) was originally identified as a receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein predominantly expressed in endothelial cells. LOX-1 expression can be induced in cardiomyocytes and that activation of LOX-1 is involved in apoptosis. To investigate possible roles of LOX-1 in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation for 1h followed by reperfusion for 2h. Immunohistochemistry revealed that expression of LOX-1 in cardiac myocytes was induced following ischemia-reperfusion but not ischemia alone. Administration of anti-LOX-1 monoclonal antibody resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in myocardial infarction size compared with that of normal IgG or saline (P<0.05). These findings suggest that activation of the LOX-1 pathway is involved in determining the extent of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and that inhibition of the LOX-1 pathway may provide a novel strategy for treatment of acute myocardial infarction in humans.

Animals↗

Statins inhibit oxidized-LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression, uptake of oxidized-LDL and reduction in PKB phosphorylation.

OBJECTIVES: LOX-1, a lectin-like receptor on endothelial cells, facilitates the uptake of oxidized-LDL. Expression of LOX-1 is involved in the pathobiological effects of oxidized-LDL in endothelial cells, including apoptosis, suppression of cNOS activity and cell adhesion. Recent studies show that intracellular signal protein kinase B (PKB) is involved in the regulation of cNOS. Further, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) may affect LOX-1 expression. In this study, we examined the modulation of LOX-1 expression and PKB activity in response to oxidized-LDL by two different statins (simvastatin and atorvastatin). METHODS AND RESULTS: Cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were used in this study. Oxidized-LDL (40 microg/ml) was found to upregulate the expression of LOX-1 (mRNA and protein), enhance [125I]-ox-LDL uptake and to reduce the phosphorylation of PKB (p-PKB). Two different statins, simvastatin and atorvastatin (each 1 and 10 microM), upregulated the activity of PKB and decreased LOX-1 expression and [125I]-ox-LDL uptake. A high concentration of statins (10 microM) gave a more potent effect than the low concentration (1 microM). The effects of the two different statins were similar. CONCLUSIONS: These observations show that statins decrease LOX-1 expression, a novel oxidized-LDL endothelial receptor, and uptake of oxidized-LDL in HCAECs. The effect of statins on LOX-1 expression is associated with an increase in PKB activity in HCAECs.

Analysis of Variance↗

LOX-1 mediates lysophosphatidylcholine-induced oxidized LDL uptake in smooth muscle cells.

A novel receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), lectin-like OxLDL receptor (LOX-1), was cloned from endothelial cells. Since OxLDL is taken up by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in atheroma, we analyzed the inducible expression of LOX-1 in VSMC in the present study. Incubation of cultured bovine VSMC with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), an atherogenic component of OxLDL, increased the level of mRNA for LOX-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Since LPC did not significantly change the half-life of LOX-1 mRNA, the induction seemed to occur at the transcriptional level. The induction accompanied an increase in the protein level of LOX-1 and activity of OxLDL uptake. Blocking antibody against LOX-1 significantly suppressed the enhanced uptake of OxLDL. Thus, LOX-1 is a major receptor for OxLDL in VSMC as in endothelial cells. The enhanced expression of LOX-1 by LPC suggests that OxLDL and LPC would progressively change the function of VSMC and accelerate atherogenesis in vivo.

Animals↗