Antibody Titers Against Oxidized LDL Are Not Elevated in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

From the Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular Research (J.H., J.W., A.L., I.W., O.W.), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, Gothenburg, and the Center for Molecular Medicine (G.K.H.), Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Correspondence to Johannes Hulthe, MD, Wallenberg Laboratory, Fack 16, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden. E-mail Johannes.Hulthe{at}wlab.wall.gu.se

Abstract—Antibodies against oxidized low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDLs) have been proposed to be independent predictors of atherosclerosis development. The main aims of the current study were to (1) compare antibody titers to Ox-LDL in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (n=51) with those in matched controls (n=45) and (2) analyze whether the antibody titers were related to the extent of atherosclerosis, as assessed cross-sectionally and prospectively by ultrasonography in the 2 study groups. Antibody titers were determined with a solid-phase ELISA, and plates were coated with the antigens Ox-LDL or malondialdehyde-treated LDL (MDA-LDL) as well as with the postcoat only (5% dry milk powder). Antibody titers were expressed as absorbance [(value in patient serum minus that in postcoat) divided by (Internal Standard Serum minus postcoat)]. There were no significant differences in antibody titers against Ox-LDL or MDA-LDL between the group of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and the controls. In cross-sectional comparisons, no significant associations were observed between the intima-media thickness of the carotid or femoral arteries and antibody titers against Ox-LDL or between plaque occurrence and these titers. Patients with a history of myocardial infarction had significantly lower IgM titers against Ox-LDL compared with patients without a history of myocardial infarction and with controls. In conclusion, mean values for antibody titers against Ox-LDL were not increased in the patient group compared with a healthy control group, and no positive, significant relationship was observed between antibody titers and the extent of atherosclerosis, as measured by ultrasound, in the carotid or femoral arteries. Taken together, these findings indicate that the relationship between the autoimmune response to Ox-LDL and the extent of atherosclerosis is more complex than previously anticipated.

Key Words: antibody titers • familial hypercholesterolemia • oxidized LDL

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