A. Cucina et al., OXIDIZED LDL (OXLDL) INDUCES PRODUCTION OF PLATELET-DERIVED GROWTH-FACTOR AA (PDGF AA) FROM AORTIC SMOOTH-MUSCLE CELLS, European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery, 16(3), 1998, pp. 197-202
Objectives: Elevated concentrations of oxidised low density lipoprotei
ns (OxLDL) are associated with accelerated atherogenesis. The aim of o
ur study was to determine the effect of OxLDL on the proliferation rat
e and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) AA production on aortic sm
ooth muscle cells. High density lipoproteins (HDL), which are known to
have a protective effect against atherosclerosis, were used as contro
l. Materials and methods: Bovine aortic smooth muscle cells were grown
in presence of increased concentrations of OxLDL and HDL and in prese
nce of control medium culture (DMEM). Proliferation rate was assessed
by H-3-thymidine uptake. PDGF AA production was determined by ELISA an
d Western Blot Analysis. Results: OxLDL increased the proliferation ra
te of aortic smooth muscle cells as compared to DMEM and HDL (p<0.001)
. The mitogenic activity of OxLDL on smooth muscle cells was reduced a
dding anti-PDGF AA antibodies (p<0.001). PDGF AA production by aortic
smooth muscle cells was increased after exposure to OxLDL as compared
to DMEM (p<0.001). HDL significantly reduced the production of PDGF AA
by aortic smooth muscle cells (p<0.001). Conclusions: Part of the ath
erogenic effect of OxLDL is mediated through the autocrine production
of PDGF AA from aortic smooth muscle cells.