Cardiologie clinique et expérimentale
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LOX-1 and its Implications on Cardiovascular Diseases a Possible New Perspective Target on Atherosclerosis

Gorga Elio, Vizzardi Enrico, Bonadei Ivano, Piovanelli Barbara, Della Pina Paolo, Raddino Riccardo and Dei Cas Livio

The receptor for oxidized low density lipoprotein (LOX-1), encoded by the gene ORL1, is a scavenger receptor that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The activation of LOX-1 is associated with apoptosis of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages. This process is an important mechanism in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and thus in the development of acute coronary syndromes. Genetic association of independent studies have associated variants of the gene ORL1 a different susceptibility to myocardial infarction. These polymorphisms (SNPs) are located in intronic sequences of the gene OLR1 and regulate the expression of a new isoform of splicing, the LOXIN characterized by the lack of exon 5. It is able to counter cytotoxicity induced by Ox-LDL by reducing the degree of apoptosis by 40%.