Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Redox Signaling: Role in Atherosclerosis and Coronary Disease

Abstract

Significance:

Lipoproteins, such as low-density lipoprotein, play a causal role in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary disease.

Recent Advances:

Lipoproteins can stimulate vascular production of reactive oxygen species, which act as important signaling molecules in the cardiovascular system contributing to the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

Critical Issues:

Modified lipoproteins have emerged as important regulators of redox signaling, such as oxidized or carbamylated low-density lipoprotein or modified high-density lipoproteins, that contain oxidized lipids, an altered protein cargo, and associated small molecules, such as symmetric dimethylarginine.

Future Directions:

In this review, we provide an overview on signaling pathways stimulated by modified lipoproteins in the cardiovascular system and their potential role in cardiovascular disease development. Moreover, we highlight novel aspects of how gut microbiome-related mechanisms—a growing research field—may contribute to lipoprotein modification with subsequent impact on cardiovascular redox signaling. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 337–352.