The Open Atherosclerosis & Thrombosis Journal

2012, 5 : 13-21
Published online 2012 March 02. DOI: 10.2174/1876506801205010013
Publisher ID: TOATHERTJ-5-13

LDL as a Cause of Atherosclerosis

Gerald H. Tomkin and Daphne Owens
Diabetes Institute of Ireland, Beacon Clinic, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland.

ABSTRACT

The low density lipoprotein particle is the major transporter of cholesterol around the body and has been shown to be a strong independent risk factor for atherosclerotic events. This review discusses the normal and abnormal metabolism of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Mechanisms by which LDL causes atherosclerosis are discussed with particular reference to the importance of alteration in LDL composition including attachment of other proteins to the circulating LDL particle.

Keywords:

Low density lipoprotein (LDL), Oxidised LDL, Atherosclerosis, Cholesterol, Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) Niemann Pick C1L1, Apolipoprotein B.