[Comparison of plasma low-density lipoprotein and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels with coronary lesion severities in patients with coronary artery disease].

Objective: To explore the relationship between plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) levels and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods: Fasting plasma ox-LDL was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and plasma LDL was measured by biochemical autoanalyser in 31 patients with coronary artery spasm (CAS group, chest pain with positive acetylcholine provocation test but without significant coronary artery stenosis), 35 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP group) and 24 healthy persons (control group).

Results: Plasma LDL levels were similar between CAS and SAP groups but significantly higher than that in control group. Plasma ox-LDL levels significantly increased in proportion to coronary lesion severities [SAP (575 +/- 219 microg/L) > CAS (299 +/- 117 microg/L) > control (218 +/- 35 microg/L)]. In SAP group, plasma ox-LDL level was also significantly higher in multi-vessel disease group than that in single-vessel disease group (672 +/- 92 vs. 462 +/- 72 microg/L, P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Plasma ox-LDL but not LDL level is significantly correlated to the severity of coronary atherosclerosis and should therefore be the focused therapy target in patients with coronary artery disease.