Oxidized LDL attenuates protective autophagy and induces apoptotic cell death of endothelial cells: Role of oxidative stress and LOX-1 receptor expression

摘要

Background: Overproduction of oxidized-low density lipoproteins (oxyLDLs) has been found to contribute in endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction thereby leading to atherosclerosis development and progression. In particular, oxyLDLs lead to apoptotic cell death of EC via oxidative stress production, mostly subsequent to the overexpression of the scavenger receptor LOX-1. Here, we hypothesize that LOX-1 expression in EC represents a crucial event which attenuates protective autophagic response, thereby enhancing programmed endothelial cell death.