LDL-cholesterol and platelets: Insights into their interactions in atherosclerosis

Aleksandra Gąsecka, Sylwester Rogula, Łukasz Szarpak, Krzysztof J. Filipiak

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Atherosclerosis and its complications, including acute coronary syndromes, are the major cause of death worldwide. The two most important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis include increased platelet activation and increased low-density lipoproteins (LDL) concentration. In contrast to LDL, oxidized (ox)-LDL have direct pro-thrombotic properties by functional interactions with platelets, leading to platelet activation and favoring thrombus formation. In this review, we summarize the currently available evidence on the interactions between LDL-cholesterol and platelets, which are based on (i) the presence of ox-LDL-binding sites on platelets, (ii) generation of ox-LDL by platelets and (iii) the role of activated platelets and ox-LDL in atherosclerosis. In addition, we elaborate on the clinical implications of these interactions, including development of the new therapeutic possibilities. The ability to understand and modulate mechanisms governing interactions between LDL-cholesterol and platelets may offer new treatment strategies for atherosclerosis prevention.
Original languageEnglish
Article number39
Pages (from-to)1-13
Number of pages13
JournalLife (Basel, Switzerland)
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2021

Keywords

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Extracellular vesicles
  • LDL-cholesterol
  • Platelets
  • Treatment

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