Electronegative LDL Induces M1 Polarization of Human Macrophages Through a LOX-1-Dependent Pathway.

In response to environmental stimuli, monocytes undergo polarization into classically activated (M1) or alternatively activated (M2) states. M1 and M2 macrophages exert opposing pro- and anti-inflammatory properties, respectively. Electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (LDL(-)) is a naturally occurring mildly oxidized LDL found in the plasma of patients with hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and acute myocardial infarction, and has been shown to involve in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.