Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) are biomarkers of heart failure (HF). The aim of the present study was to determine the role of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) in the induction of these biomarkers and the signaling pathways involved in vitro. Incubation of HL-1 cardiomyocytes and human myocytes with Ox-LDL induced the expression of BNP and MCP-1 genes, while native LDL had no effect. When peroxides associated with Ox-LDL were reduced to hydroxides, the ability to induce BNP and MCP-1 gene expression was abolished. Furthermore, exposure of HL-1 cells to ischemic conditions alone had no effect on BNP gene expression, while ischemia followed by reperfusion resulted in increased expression of BNP gene. Inhibitors of ERK and JNK inhibited the induction of BNP. Signaling array results suggested that the induction of both MAPK and NF-κB pathways is involved in the induction of BNP by Ox-LDL. These results suggest that Ox-LDL or peroxidized lipids formed in oxidatively stressed myocytes during ischemia-reperfusion injury may play a role in the induction of BNP and MCP-1.

Since the discovery of oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), over 5,000 articles have appeared on the topic with over 400 articles appearing every year during the past decade. LDL contains esterified polyunsaturated fatty acid containing lipids, such as, phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and cholesterol esters (CE). Peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) containing lipids has been known for a long time. Numerous studies have documented that peroxidized lipids as well as products derived from their decomposition, particularly aldehydes, have deleterious biological properties. This concept has been exemplified in the study of atherosclerosis. A plethora of in vitro and animal studies, as well as human epidemiological and correlatory studies, have supported the notion that oxidative processes and the formation of Ox-LDL might contribute to atherosclerosis. Yet the negative outcomes of human clinical trials with α-tocopherol and other antioxidants have convinced even staunch supporters of the hypothesis to take a step backwards and reconsider reasons of their failure and suggest alternative approaches. Ox-LDL is a complex mixture of numerous chemical entities, many of them are yet uncharacterized. Why and how it is formed or its nature in vivo is poorly understood. It is recognized by numerous cell surface receptors, which are ubiquitously expressed in many different cell types. These receptors might perform a variety of functions. In addition, components of Ox-LDL might also have favorable effects that are difficult to dissociate from its pathological effects. In this review, the nature of Ox-LDL and potential problems in inhibiting its formation are discussed.

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