title: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein: a double-edged sword on atherosclerosis.
abstract: It is well known that atherosclerosis is closely related to lipoprotein metabolism, particularly to the low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL becomes atherogenic after undergoing oxidation by vascular cells, that transform them into highly bioreactive oxidized LDL (oxLDL). oxLDL is generally though to be involved in foam cell formation, and trigger an array of proatherogenic events. However, there are accumulating evidences that low levels of oxLDL can be atheroprotective through its cytoprotection, modulation of immunity and activation of reverse cholesterol transport. Thus, oxLDL may exert biphasic effects on atherosclerosis, just like a doubled-edged sword.
authors: Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Middle Ren-Min Road No. 139, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China.
authors: Bi-lian
authors: BL
authors: Yu
authors: Shui-ping
authors: SP
authors: Zhao
authors: Xian-sheng
authors: XS
authors: Huang
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005487:Foam Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein; D010100:Oxygen