Autoantibodies to modified LDLs and other phospholipid-protein complexes as markers of cardiovascular diseases

Recent studies have suggested that antiphospholipid antibodies contribute to the development of atherothrombosis by enhancing atherogenesis and/or by interfering with blood coagulation. The antigenic targets of antiphospholipid antibodies are cardiolipin, oxidized LDL, beta 2-glycoprotein I, or prothrombin. Oxidized LDL and beta 2-glycoprotein I are found in the atherosclerotic plaque and antibodies to these proteins enhance in vitro the accumulation of modified LDL into macrophages. Autoantibodies binding to modified LDL, cardiolipin and prothrombin have been associated with atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications in sero-epidemiological studies. These autoantibodies can be used as markers of atherosclerosis but their possible pathogenic role in the athero- and thrombogenesis needs further studies.