Hypercholesterolemia and angiogenesis.

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with endothelial cell dysfunction, which may be partly related to an accumulation of toxic lipoprotein degradation products in artery walls. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and its products have been incriminated in the impairment of transmembrane signaling, a process that may alter the responsiveness of endothelial cells to mitogens. Endothelial cell replication is necessary for the growth of preexisting arterial channels and for the formation of new microvessels (angiogenesis). Experiments in intact rabbits indicate that endothelial replication necessary for vascular growth is markedly impaired in the presence of hypercholesterolemia, a defect that may play an important role in the pathophysiology of occlusive atherosclerotic disease.