Induced expression of lectin-like oxidized ldl receptor-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells following Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and its down-regulation by fluvastatin.

Microorganisms such as Chlamydia pneumoniae have been shown to infect vascular cells and are believed to contribute to vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque development. Plasma levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) have received considerable attention as potential predictors of prognosis in atherosclerotic diseases. Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) is one of the major receptors for oxidized LDL.