Evidence for a role of phospholipid oxidation products in atherogenesis

There is growing evidence for the accumulation of phospholipid oxidation pr oducts (some of which can also be formed enzymatically) in several chronic disease processes including atherosclerosis. There also is considerable evi dence that enzymes involved in hydrolysis of these phospholipids (present i n both lipoproteins and cells) may be important in regulation of atherogene sis. In vitro studies suggest that these lipids can activate vascular it wa ll cells to states that contribute to the atherosclerotic process. This rev iew, focuses on two types of bioactive phospholipids: phosphatidyl cholines in which the sn-2 fatty acid has been modified by oxidation and lysophosph atidic acid in it which both the sn-2 and sn-3 positions have been modified . The mechanism by which these phospholipid oxidation products activate cel ls has revealed the presence of several different receptors and signal tran sduction pathways. (C) 2001, Elsevier Science Inc.