The expression of the lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1) on human vascular smooth muscle cells and monocytes and its down-regulation by lovastatin
G. Draude et al., The expression of the lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1) on human vascular smooth muscle cells and monocytes and its down-regulation by lovastatin, BIOCH PHARM, 57(4), 1999, pp. 383-386
Accumulation of oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in the
vascular wall is a characteristic feature of atherosclerosis. oxLDL can be
taken up into monocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells by sev
eral known scavenger receptors such as scavenger receptor class A I and II,
CD36, and CD68. A new lectin like oxLDL receptor (LOX-1) was recently foun
d in bovine and human endothelial cells. We studied whether LOX-1 is also e
xpressed in other cells present in the atherosclerotic lesion and whether i
ts expression can be modified. We found LOX-1 expression in human blood mon
ocytes, umbilical smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and 3T3 fibroblasts.
LOX-1 mRNA expression in monocytes could be significantly suppressed by lo
vastatin. Thus, LOX-1 expression is not restricted to endothelial cells and
its down-regulation by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors could contribute to th
e clinical benefits of these drugs. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.