Hyperlipidemia increases the risk of thrombosis and acute coronary syndromes. In this Issue of Blood, Chen et al identify a signaling pathway inside platelets that links oxidized low-density lipoprotein and platelet activation.Hyperlipidemia is not only associated with E L atherosclerosis but also with thrombosis, leading to acute coronary syndromes such as heart attacks. Decades of research have clearly identified the links between elevated plasma lipids and atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) deposited in the vessel wall can stimulate inflammation and oxidative stress,generating oxidized LDL (oxLDL). OxLDL promotes pro-inflammatory responses in mono-cytes, starting a long process that leads to dysfunctional arteries, fatty streaks, and fibrous plaques.
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