title: The lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 as therapeutic target for atherosclerosis, inflammatory conditions and longevity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a scavenger receptor and is regarded as a central element in the initiation of endothelial dysfunction and its further progression to atherosclerosis. Increasing numbers of studies suggest that therapeutic strategies to modulate LOX-1 will have a broad spectrum of applications ranging from cardiovascular diseases to longevity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The dual role of LOX-1 as a culprit molecule in the process of atherosclerosis and as a danger signal in various tissues is introduced. The structure of the receptor, its ligands and its modulation by known drugs, by natural products (e.g., statins, imipramine, salicylate-based drugs, procyanidins, curcumin) and by new strategies (antisenseRNA, miRNA, pyrrole-imidazol-polyamides, LOX-1 antibodies, lipid apheresis) are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Therapeutic approaches via transcript regulation, allowing a modulation of LOX-1, may be an easier and safer strategy than a blockade of the receptor. Considering the wide distribution of LOX-1 on different tissues, research on the mechanisms of LOX-1 modulation by drugs and natural products applying "omic"-technologies will not only allow a better understanding of the role of LOX-1 in the processes of atherosclerosis, inflammation and longevity but also support the development of specific LOX-1 modulators, avoiding the initiation of molecular mechanisms which lead to adverse events.
authors.affiliation: University of Bonn, UKB/Medical Clinic III, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, Bonn, 53127, Germany. gudrun.ulrich-merzenich@ukb.uni-bonn.de
authors.forename: Gudrun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ulrich-Merzenich
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zeitler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000494:pharmacology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D008136:Longevity; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000494:pharmacology; D016372:RNA, Antisense / Q000494:pharmacology; D051127:Scavenger Receptors, Class E / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D035683:MicroRNAs; D016372:RNA, Antisense; D051127:Scavenger Receptors, Class E