AUTOANTIBODIES TO OXIDIZED LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS IN RESTENOSIS FOLLOWING CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY

Oxidized low density lipoproteins (oLDL) play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recently, elevated oLDL autoantibodi es in serum were shown in patients with severe peripheral atherosclero sis. To evaluate their role in restenosis after percutaneous translumi nal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), oLDL autoantibodies were determined i n a randomly selected series of 48 males following successful PTCA. Fo llow-up angiography as well as blood sampling were done 12 months afte r PTCA; restenosis was defined as greater than or equal to 50% reducti on in diameter of the coronary artery. Twenty-six patients (mean age: 56 years) showed restenosis (Restenosis Group), whereas 22 (mean age: 53 years) had open vessels (Patent Vessel Group). Both groups did not differ in age, past medical history, fibrinogen and lipid profile as w ell as in initial angiographic findings. Oxidized LDL autoantibodies w ere 13 +/- 21 U in the Restenosis Group and 6 +/- 4 U in the Patent Ve ssel Group, showing no significant difference. Six of 26 patients in t he Restenosis Group and 3 of 22 in the Patent Vessel Group (NS) had el evated oLDL autoantibody levels (greater than or equal to 10 U). Thus, although there is a trend to elevated oLDL autoantibodies in males wi th restenosis of coronary arteries, oLDL cannot serve as a strong mark er for stenosis following PTCA.