Electronegative LDL: A Circulating Modified LDL with a Role in Inflammation

Figure 2

Biological actions of LDL(−) on circulating mononuclear cells (monocytes/lymphocytes) and arterial wall cells (endothelial cells, macrophages and smooth muscle cells) in relation to atherogenesis. LDL(−) can activate circulating leukocytes, mainly monocytes, and lymphocytes. LDL(−) also induces chemokine and adhesion molecules in endothelial cells, promoting the recruitment of more circulating leukocytes to endothelium. Cytokines released by endothelial cells can also act on other cell types of the arterial wall. LDL(−) retained in the subendothelial space by its increased binding to PG can also stimulate arterial wall cells. In this environment, LDL(−) could be further modified, leading to additional inflammatory actions on cells. It could also be uptaken by SR, promoting the formation of foam cells. LDL(−): electronegative LDL, MCP1: monocyte chemoattracting-protein 1, GRO: growth-related oncogen, IL6, IL8, and IL10: interleukin 6, 8, and 10, GM-CSF: granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor, SR: scavenger receptor, AM: adhesion molecule, PG: proteoglycans.