Increase in plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins in patientswith coronary spastic angina

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) impair endothelium-dependent dilati on and constrict arteries. This study examined possible relation of the cir culating plasma levels of Ox-LDL to coronary spastic angina (CSA). The plas ma levels of Ox-LDL were measured by ELISA in 37 consecutive patients with CSA and normal coronary angiograms and in 79 consecutive control patients. The Ox-LDL levels in patients with CSA were significantly higher than those in controls. In multivariate analysis, higher levels of Ox-LDL were a risk factor for CSA independently of other traditional risk factors. The Ox-LDL , levels had a significant and positive correlation with constrictor respon se of coronary arteries to the intracoronary acetylcholine infusion. Thus, Ox-LDL may play a possible role in pathogenesis of coronary spasm. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.