Background: Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a multiple ligand receptor induced by oxidative stress. However, its role in chronic heart failure remains unknown.
Methods and results: The left ventricular (LV) expression of LOX-1 was examined in a salt-sensitive Dahl rat model of hypertension. Compared with controls, LOX-1 mRNA levels increased by 4.7-fold in the LV with hypertrophy, and by 32-fold in the LV with decreased systolic function. LV LOX-1 mRNA levels strongly correlated with the decrease in LV ejection fraction (EF) (r=-0.772), and with increases in the LV mRNA levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (r=0.814), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (r=0.943), transforming growth factor-beta(1) (r=0.936), and a macrophage marker, F4/80 (r=0.560). Serum levels of soluble LOX-1 were significantly elevated in patients with LV systolic dysfunction and hypertrophy, and significantly correlated with the decrease in EF (r=-0.495).
Conclusions: Marked increase in the LV expression of LOX-1 in failing hearts may contribute to increased serum levels, and might be involved in chronic inflammation during the development of heart failure.