Fig. 1.Effects of hypercholesterolemia on atherogenic biomolecules. Hypercholesterolemia increases the generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species)
and cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IOl-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha
(TNF-)], and activates nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B).
Cytokines generate ROS and increase the expression and release of cell adhesion
molecules [intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion
molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin]. ROS increase the expression and release of cell
adhesion molecules, growth factors [insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1),
transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-)], and increases oxidation of
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to form minimally modified LDL
(MM-LDL) which is further oxidized to form maximally oxidized-LDL (OX-LDL).
MM-LDL produces monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and monocyte colony
stimulating factor (M-CSF) from endothelial cells. OX-LDL assist in migration of
monocytes in subendothelial space and formation of foam cells. All the above
biomolecules are involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
, rightward and leftward arrow; , increase.