Antibody against oxidized low density lipoprotein may predict progression or regression of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to elucidate whether an antibody against oxidiz ed low density lipoprotein (anti-Ox-LDL) could predict short-term coronary artery atherosclerotic lesion progression. BACKGROUND It is still controversial whether higher levels of the anti-Ox-L DL titer are associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. METHODS In 52 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty and six-month follow -up angiography, we performed quantitative coronary angiographic analysis o f a lesion on a branch away from the intervention site vessel and assessed lesion progression or regression using the Progression-Regression score cal culated as the baseline minimal lumen diameter minus the follow-up minimal lumen diameter. The serum anti-Ox-LDL titer was measured using an enzyme-li nked immunosorbent assay method just before the initial angiography in all patients. RESULTS The anti-Ox-LDL titer was 16.6 +/- 1.5 AcU/ml in the progression gr oup (Progression- Regression score >0.15 mm; n = 20), which was significant ly higher (p < 0.001) than the value of 9.5 +/- 1.2 in the regression group (<less than or equal to>-0.15 mm; n = 14) and also higher (p < 0.01) than the value of 11.4 +/- 1.3 in the no-change group (-0.15 to 0.15 mm; n = 18) . The Progression-Regression score was correlated with the antibody titer i n all patients (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed t hat the Progression-Regression score was independently correlated with the antibody titer (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) as well as lipoprotein (a) (r = 0.33, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Anti-Ox-LDL may be an independent predictor of coronary atheros clerotic lesion progression in the short term. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2001;37:1 871-6) (C) 2001 by the American College of Cardiology.