The role of native apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in atherosclerosis: cellular mechanisms.

Apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins play a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The processes that determine the atherogenicity of these lipoproteins, however, remain unclear. A new development that involves the interactions of lipoproteins, enzymes, apolipoproteins, and cell-surface heparan sulphate may explain, at least in part, the enhanced atherogenicity of these lipoproteins. In addition, the development of specific transgenic apolipoproteins, and apolipoprotein-deficient mice models that develop atherosclerosis, provide new tools for studies on the role of native apolipoprotein-B containing lipoproteins in atheroma formation.