Electronegative LDL: A Circulating Modified LDL with a Role in Inflammation

Figure 1

Putative relationships between the physicochemical properties of LDL(−) and its inflammatory actions. Phospholipolytic activities contained in LDL(−) increase its LPC, NEFA, and CER content. These compounds are involved in the inflammatory action of the particle. Phospholipolytic activities could also be related to the abnormal apoB conformation and high aggregation of LDL(−), which may contribute to its decreased plasma clearance and increased binding to PGs. The retention of LDL(−) to endothelium by PG would favor the inflammatory action of LDL(−) on the arterial wall cells. Some authors have suggested that the presence of oxPL in LDL(−) is responsible for the inflammatory, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects of this particle. LDL(−): electronegative LDL, oxPL: oxidized phospholipids, PAF-AH: platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, PLC: phospholipase C, LPC: lysophosphatidylcholine, NEFA: nonesterified fatty acids, CER: ceramide, apoB: apolipoprotein B, LDLr: LDL receptor, PG: proteoglycans.