Oxidized-LDL through LOX-1 increases the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme in human coronary artery endothelial cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Our previous studies have shown that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and angiotensin II (Ang II) influence each other's action in endothelial cells. This study was designed to examine the regulation by ox-LDL of the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). In addition, we studied the effect of the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin on this interaction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cultured HCAECs were incubated with ox-LDL (10-80 microg/ml) for 1-24 h. Ox-LDL increased the expression of ACE in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. The upregulation of ACE expression in response to ox-LDL was mediated by its endothelial receptor LOX-1, since pretreatment of HCAECs with a blocking antibody to LOX-1 prevented the expression of ACE (P<0.01). Native-LDL had no significant effect on ACE expression. In this process, ox-LDL-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK p42/44) played an important role, since pretreatment of HCAECs with the MAPK p42/44 inhibitor (PD98059, 10 microM) inhibited MAPK activation and subsequently attenuated the expression of ACE (P<0.01 vs. ox-LDL alone). In other experiments, we pretreated HCAECs with simvastatin (10 microM) and then exposed the cells to ox-LDL. Simvastatin markedly attenuated ox-LDL-induced MAPK activation, and concurrently reduced ACE expression (P<0.01 vs. ox-LDL alone). CONCLUSIONS: Our observations provide direct evidence that ox-LDL via LOX-1 activation induces ACE gene expression in HCAECs, and MAPK activation plays a signal transduction role in this process. Simvastatin, which inhibits MAPK activation, also blocks ox-LDL-mediated upregulation of ACE.     

Aspirin inhibits ox-LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression and metalloproteinase-1 in human coronary endothelial cells

BACKGROUND: Aspirin is thought to exert salutary effects in vascular disease states by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Endothelial activation, accumulation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and intense inflammation also characterize atherosclerotic plaque in acute myocardial ischemia. Ox-LDL induces expression of lectin-like receptors (LOX-1) on endothelial cells and leads to the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which destabilize the atherosclerotic plaque. We hypothesized that aspirin may interfere with LOX-1 expression and subsequent MMP activation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were incubated with aspirin (1-5 mM), sodium salicylate (5 mM) or the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (0.25 mM) before treatment with ox-LDL. Aspirin, in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, reduced ox-LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression (P<0.01). Ox-LDL also increased MMP-1 expression and activity, and treatment of HCAECs with aspirin decreased this effect (P<0.01). Ox-LDL also enhanced the activity of p38MAPK in HCAECs, and aspirin blocked this effect of ox-LDL (P<0.01). Treatment of HCAECs with salicylate, but not indomethacin, resulted in a suppression of LOX-1 expression, an effect similar to that of aspirin. Importantly, both aspirin and salicylate, but not indomethacin, decreased superoxide anion generation in ox-LDL-treated HCAECs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that aspirin inhibits ox-LDL-mediated LOX-1 expression and interferes with the effects of ox-LDL in intracellular signaling (p38MAPK activation) and subsequent MMP-1 activity. These novel effects of aspirin may complement its platelet inhibitory effect in acute myocardial ischemia.     

Oxidized LDL,LOX-1 and Atherosclerosis

An elevated level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol constitutes a major risk factor for genesis of atherosclerosis. Ox-LDL plays a more important role in the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis than the native LDL. Ox-LDL leads to endothelial dysfunction leading to expression of adhesion molecules and recruitment of monocyte in subendothelial space. Ox-LDL is taken up by macrophages via scavenger receptors, such as SR-A1, SR-A2 and LOX-1. Lately, LOX-1, a type II membrane protein receptor of ox-LDL, has gained much importance in relation to effects of ox-LDL on endothelial biology. Endothelial cells primarily express LOX-1 as receptor for ox-LDL and ox-LDL has been shown to upregulate expression of LOX-1. In addition, ox-LDL promotes the growth and migration of smooth muscle cells, monocytes/macrophages and fibroblasts. In this review we discuss the role of ox-LDL and LOX-1 in genesis and progression of atherosclerosis.     

Role of caspases in Ox-LDL-induced apoptotic cascade in human coronary artery endothelial cells

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induces apoptosis in endothelial cells. However, steps leading to ox-LDL-induced apoptosis remain unclear. We examined the role of ox-LDL and its newly described receptor LOX-1 in the expression of intracellular pro- and antiapoptotic proteins and caspase pathways in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations (10 to 80 microg/mL) of ox-LDL for different times (2 to 24 hours). Ox-LDL induced apoptosis in HCAECs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Ox-LDL also activated caspase-9 and caspase-3, but not caspase-8. After ox-LDL treatment, there was a significant release of activators of caspase-9, including cytochrome c and Smac from mitochondria to cytoplasmic compartment, and their release was not affected by treatment of cells with inhibitors of either caspase-8 or caspase-9. Ox-LDL also decreased expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and c-IAP (inhibitory apoptotic protein)-1, which are involved in the release of cytochrome c and Smac and activation of caspase-9, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. On the other hand, ox-LDL did not change the expression of Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein (FLIP) and proapoptotic protein Fas, which are required for the activation of caspase-8. Further, ox-LDL did not cause the truncation of Bid, which implies the activation of caspase-8. In other experiments, pretreatment of HCAECs with the caspase-9 inhibitor z-LEHD-fmk, but not the caspase-8 inhibitor z-IETD-fmk, blocked ox-LDL-induced activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis. As expected, pretreatment with the caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-CHO inhibited ox-LDL-induced activation of caspase-3 and resultant apoptosis. The proapoptotic effects of ox-LDL were mediated by its receptor LOX-1, because pretreatment of HCAECs with antisense-LOX-1, but not sense-LOX-1, blocked these effects of ox-LDL. These findings suggest that ox-LDL through its receptor LOX-1 decreases the expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and c-IAP-1. This is followed by activation of apoptotic signaling pathway, involving release of cytochrome c and Smac and activation of caspase-9 and then caspase-3.     

LOX-1在动脉粥样硬化中的作用研究新进展

动脉粥样硬化(AS)是一种血管慢性炎症性病变,其中内皮细胞功能异常、单核细胞的黏附和迁移、平滑肌细胞的凋亡、泡沫细胞的形成和血小板的活化是AS形成的关键环节,最终结果是形成大、中动脉内膜下的粥样硬化斑块,造成管腔狭窄,远端组织器官供血不足甚至栓塞。低密度脂蛋白（LDL） 氧化形成的氧化型LDL（ox-LDL）在AS发生、发展过程中起着重要作用。目前在与AS发生、发展相关的细胞（如血管内皮细胞、血管平滑肌细胞、单核细胞、巨噬细胞以及泡沫细胞）上已经发现和鉴定了多种oxLDL受体,其中瘦素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体(LOX)-1表达于血管内皮细胞、巨噬细胞、血小板上,是ox-LDL的主要受体［1］,在AS的发生、发展中起着重要作用,本文将着重阐述近年来LOX-1影响AS发生发展相关效应与机制的新进展。     

Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) expression in human articular chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the involvement of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and the expression of its receptor lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) in osteoarthritis, by determining the ox-LDL in synovial fluid and the expression of LOX-1 mRNA and protein in osteoarthritic as well as normal cartilage. In addition, the effect of ox-LDL on chondrocyte viability and the effect of ascorbic acid (a well-known anti-oxidant) on LOX-1 expression were studied. METHODS: Fifteen patients were included in the study. Osteoarthritic articular cartilage was obtained from two distinct locations in the knee (n = 10) and hip (n = 5), specifically from weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas of the same joints. Five individuals were used as controls. mRNA and protein expression were studied by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. Ox-LDL was measured in the synovial fluid and in paired serum samples from the patients using the ELISA method. RESULTS: Ox-LDL was detected in the synovial fluid and its receptor LOX-1 was detected in cartilage from both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas, whereas no LOX-1 expression was found in normal cartilage. Ox-LDL reduced chondrocyte viability in cell cultures, while the addition of ascorbic acid to osteoarthritic chondrocytes resulted in a decrease in LOX-1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: The detection of LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression in osteoarthritic cartilage drawn from both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing regions of the same patients suggest that LOX-1 may be involved in the progression and pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.     

Mulberry leaf aqueous fractions inhibit TNF-alpha-induced nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) expression in vascular endothelial cells

Mulberry (Morus Alba L., family Moraceae) leaf extracts have various biological effects including inhibition of oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is the major cause of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction elicited by oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) has been implicated in atherogenesis. Lectin-like Ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), a cell-surface receptor for atherogenic Ox-LDL, appears to mediate Ox-LDL-induced inflammation, which may be crucial in atherogenesis. Previous studies revealed that expression of LOX-1 is highly inducible by proinflammatory stimuli, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Therefore, we examined whether mulberry leaf aqueous fractions inhibit LOX-1 expression induced by proinflammatory stimuli. Pretreatment of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) with mulberry leaf aqueous fractions inhibited TNF-alpha- and LPS-induced expression of LOX-1 at both protein and mRNA levels in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, mulberry leaf aqueous fractions did not affect TGF-beta-induced LOX-1 expression. Furthermore, mulberry leaf aqueous fractions inhibited TNF-alpha-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and phosphorylation of inhibitory factor of NF-kappaB-alpha (IkappaB-alpha) in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Thus, mulberry leaf aqueous fractions suppress TNF-alpha- and LPS-induced LOX-1 gene expression, by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation.     

吡格列酮对人脐静脉内皮细胞血凝素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1表达的影响

目的探讨氧化型低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)作用下,吡格列酮对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)血凝素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1(LOX-1)表达的影响。方法将培养的第4代HUVECs分5组:空白组(无干预);ox-LDL组(80 mg/L ox-LDL);低浓度组(1μmol/L吡格列酮+80 mg/L ox-LDL);高浓度组(10μmol/L吡格列酮+80 mg/Lox-LDL);对照组(10μmol/L吡格列酮),各组培养24 h后,采用流式细胞仪检测LOX-1的表达,采用RT-PCR检测LOX-1 mRNA的表达。结果与空白组比较,对照组LOX-1及LOX-1 mRNA表达均无明显改变(P0.05),ox-LDL组、低浓度组和高浓度组LOX-1及LOX-1 mRNA表达明显增多(P0.01);与ox-LDL组比较,低浓度组和高浓度组LOX-1及LOX-1 mRNA表达明显降低(P0.01);高浓度组较低浓度组降低更明显(P0.05)。结论吡格列酮能降低ox-LDL刺激下的HUVECs LOX-1及LOX-1 mRNA的表达,提示吡格列酮可能通过干预ox-LDL的病理生理过程起到抗动脉硬化的作用。     

Ox-LDL induces endothelial cell apoptosis via the LOX-1-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway

Objective

To investigate the effect of lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced apoptosis and the involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathway.

Methods and results

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with 50, 100, or 200 μg/ml ox-LDL and cultured for 12, 24, or 48 h for concentration- and time-dependent studies. Cells were transfected with LOX-1 or Nox-4 shRNAs, and target proteins were inhibited with the corresponding antibodies for mechanistic studies. Active proteins and mRNAs were analyzed by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin and Hoechst staining assays. Ox-LDL induced both apoptosis and protein expression of LOX-1 and Nox-4 through activation of ER stress sensors IRE1 and PERK, and nuclear translocation of ATF6 and their subsequent pathways were indicated by JNK, eukaryotic initiation factor 2 phosphorylation, XBP-1, and chaperone GRP78 expression; up-regulation of proapoptotic proteins CHOP and Bcl-2; and caspase-12 activity. LOX-1 gene silencing and treatment with an anti-LOX-1 antibody attenuated the effects of ox-LDL. Pretreatment with irestatin 9389, salubrinal, or AEBSF also blocked ox-LDL-induced expression of CHOP and Bcl-2 and activation of caspase-12 activity, leading to an attenuation of endothelial cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Nox-4 siRNA attenuated the up-regulated expression of GRP78, PERK, IRE1, and XBP-1 to reduce ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

LOX-1 plays a critical role in ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell apoptosis via the ER stress pathway.     

LOX-1在氧化型低密度脂蛋白诱导U937细胞凋亡中的作用和卡托普利的干预作用

目的探讨ox-LDL受体LOX-1在ox-LDL诱导单核/巨噬细胞凋亡中的角色和卡托普利的干预作用。方法应用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,采用免疫组织化学技术和Western Blot测定Caspase3、8、9的表达。结果ox-LDL可诱导U937细胞的凋亡峰出现(12.773±1.413),应用卡托普利和LOX-1的阻断剂角叉菜胶、PIA后凋亡峰明显减少,其百分比分别为(1.02±0.166)(4.94±0.47)(2.62±0.656),同时U937细胞在用ox-LDL培养后代表线粒体通路的Cas-pase9,3和代表死亡受体通路caspases8,3表达都增加,应用卡托普利和LOX-1的阻断剂角叉菜胶、PIA后caspase3、8、9的表达均减少。结论ox-LDL是通过与其受体LOX-1结合发挥损伤作用的。卡托普利可以抑制ox-LDL对U937细胞凋亡的诱导作用,从而对单核巨噬细胞起到保护作用。     

苯扎贝特对脐静脉内皮细胞基质金属蛋白酶-9表达的影响及机制

目的观察苯扎贝特对氧化型低密度脂蛋白所诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）表达的影响及是否与血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1表达相关。方法体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞,逆转录聚合酶链反应检测MMP-9和血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1 mRNA的表达。结果与对照组（0．151±0．004、0．562±0．021）比较,氧化型低密度脂蛋白组LOX-1 mRNA（0．943±0．003）、MMP-9 mRNA（1．020±0．039）表达均明显增加（P〈0．05）;与氧化型低密度脂蛋白组比较,苯扎贝特组和多聚肌甘酸（血凝素氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1阻滞剂）组血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1 mRNA（0．258±0．002、0．463±0．007）、MMP-9 mRNA（0．894±0．041、0．872±0．046）表达均减少（P〈0．05）;与苯扎贝特组比较,苯扎贝特组加多聚肌甘酸组血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1 mRNA（0．144±0．003）、MMP-9 mRNA（0．541±0．030）表达均明显减少（P〈0．05）。结论血凝素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体1可能参与苯扎贝特下调内皮细胞MMP-9基因的表达。     

Diabetic vasculopathy and the lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1)

Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular complications. One crucial step in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis is the unregulated uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) by vascular wall components through scavenger receptors. Identification of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) as the major receptor for oxLDL in endothelial cells has provided a new clue to the mechanisms involved in oxLDL accumulation in the vessel wall. This receptor, by facilitating the uptake of oxLDL, induces endothelial dysfunction and mediates numerous oxLDL-induced proatherogenic effects. Besides endothelial cells, LOX-1 is also expressed by smooth muscle cells and macrophages. In these cells, LOX-1 may function as a scavenger receptor and promote foam cell formation. Notably, LOX-1 is induced by multiple stimuli relevant to atherogenesis and inflammation and is up-regulated in various proatherogenic conditions, including diabetes. As such, activation of vascular cells by oxLDL through LOX-1 may be relevant to the development and progression of human diabetic vasculopathy. This review summarizes recent advances related to the role of LOX-1 in atherosclerosis, its regulation by metabolic and inflammatory factors relevant to diabetes and the impact of these factors on LOX-1-mediated proatherogenic events linked to diabetic vasculopathy.     

LOX-1 and Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common lifestyle-related diseases. Being closely associated with insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia, it is also a component of metabolic syndrome and is involved in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular and renal ailments. Obesity is also accompanied with a state of chronic inflammation. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), a receptor for oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), is expressed not only in endothelial cells, but also in macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells, platelets and adipocytes. LOX-1 binds multiple ligands, has diverse physiological functions and plays a critical role in the signal transduction. It may well turn out to be a key, or very important, factor in the development of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis. In recent studies, LOX-1 upregulation appears to be a vital factor in obesity and its complications. This review summarizes current knowledge of obesity and the relationship between LOX-1 and obesity.     

C-reactive protein enhances LOX-1 expression in human aortic endothelial cells: relevance of LOX-1 to C-reactive protein-induced endothelial dysfunction

C-reactive protein (CRP), a characteristic inflammatory marker, is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events. Recent data suggest that CRP may also promote atherogenesis through inducing endothelial dysfunction. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a newly identified endothelial receptor for oxLDL that plays a pivotal role in oxLDL-induced endothelial dysfunction. Whether CRP may regulate endothelial LOX-1 and induce endothelial dysfunction through this receptor is unknown. In the present study, we studied the in vitro effect of CRP on LOX-1 expression in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and the role of LOX-1 in CRP-induced human monocyte adhesion to endothelium and oxLDL uptake by endothelial cells. Incubation of HAECs with CRP enhanced, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, LOX-1 mRNA and protein levels. Induction of LOX-1 protein was already present at 5 microg/mL CRP and reached a maximum at 25 microg/mL. This effect was reduced by antibodies against CD32/CD64, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The extent of stimulation of LOX-1 achieved by CRP was comparable to that elicited by high glucose and IL-6 and remained unchanged in presence of these factors. Finally, CRP increased, through LOX-1, both human monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and oxLDL uptake by these cells. We conclude that CRP enhances endothelial LOX-1 expression and propose a new mechanism by which CRP may promote endothelial dysfunction, that of inducing LOX-1.     

Essential role of cytoplasmic sequences for cell-surface sorting of the lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1)

Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) is an oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) receptor found in endothelial cells and a member of the natural killer (NK) receptor gene complex. Here, we demonstrate that the ability of LOX-1 binding to OxLDL distinguishes it from other NK receptors. Domain swapping of the lectin-like domain between LOX-1 and the NK cell receptors CD94, NKG2D, and LY-49A demonstrated the crucial role of this domain for recognition of OxLDL by LOX-1, but not for the correct cell-surface sorting of LOX-1. Using LOX-1 GFP fusion constructs, we find that the combination of cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of LOX-1 is sufficient to target the chimeric protein to the cell-surface. Using N-terminal deletions we determined that the correct cell-surface localization is dependent on a positively charged motif present in the cytosolic juxtamembrane region of LOX-1. Furthermore, the extracellular localization of the LOX-1 C-terminus is disrupted when we mutated the cytoplasmic basic amino acids, Lys-22, Lys-23 and Lys-25 to Glu. Collectively, these results indicate that the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of LOX-1 determines the correct expression of the lectin domain on the cell-surface.     

Angiogenesis is a Link Between Atherosclerosis and Tumorigenesis: Role of LOX-1

Angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new blood vessels sprouting from pre-existing vessels. It plays an important role not only in physiological situations such as embryonic vascular development and wound healing, but also in pathological conditions including atherogenesis and evolution and spread of certain tumors. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), a receptor for oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), is mainly expressed in endothelial cells. It has diverse physiological functions and it could be a link between atherogenesis and tumorigenesis. The risk factors for atherosclerosis like hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia are associated with LOX-1. Dyslipidemia and obesity are also being recognized as risk factor for certain tumors. LOX-1 is also found to be important for maintaining the transformed state in developmentally diverse cancer cell lines and for tumor growth. There is emerging evidence that LOX-1 plays an important role in the angiogenesis process. In this review, we outline the roles of angiogenesis in atherogenesis and tumorigenesis, and describe the role of LOX-1 as a potential molecular target for blocking angiogenesis.     

New oxidized LDL receptors and their functions in atherogenesis

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) appears to play key roles in atherosclerotic progression and plaque rupture. Biological effects of Ox-LDL on vascular cells may, at least in part, be mediated by cell surface receptors for Ox-LDL. Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX)-1 and scavenger receptor for phosphatidylserine and oxidized lipoprotein (SR-PSOX) are type II and I membrane glycoprtoeins, respectively, both of which can act as cell-surface endocytosis receptors for atherogenic oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL). LOX-1 expression can dynamically be induced by proinflammatory stimuli, and is detectable in cultured macrophages and activated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), in addition to endothelial cells. LOX-1-dependent uptake of Ox-LDL induced apoptosis of cultured VSMC. In vivo, endothelial cells that cover early atherosclerotic lesions, and intimal macrophages and VSMC in advanced atherosclerotic plaques dominantly express LOX-1. LOX-1 expressed on the cellsurface can be cleaved, in part, and released as soluble molecules, suggesting the diagnostic significance of plasma soluble LOX-1 levels. SR-PSOX appeared to be identical to CXCL16, a novel membrane-anchored chemokine directed to CXCR6-positive lymphocytes, suggesting another role of SR-PSOX as T-cell chemoattractant. In contrast to LOX-1 expressed by a variety of cell types. SR-PSOX expression appeared relatively confined to macrophages in atherogenesis. Taken together, LOX-1 and SR-PSOX may play important roles in atherogenesis and athrosclerotic plaque rupture.