Modification of platelet shape change parameter by modified phospholipids in oxidized LDL.

BACKGROUND It is believed that the oxidatively modified lipoproteins play a critical role in activating platelets and is a contributing factor in the etiology of a number of cardiovascular-related diseases. OBJECTIVE Identify the active component(s) of oxidized LDL that initiated shape change in plasma-free human platelets prepared by a gel filtration method Material and Method: Shape change parameter of platelets was monitored following exposure platelets to LDL, copper sulfate-oxidized LDL, and different types of lipids extracted of the corresponding LDL. RESULTS Oxidized LDL, but not native LDL, increased the shape-change parameter in a concentration-dependent manner Specifically, phosphatidyl serine from oxidized LDL was responsible for this effect. CONCLUSION Oxidized phospholipids generated during the oxidative modification of LDL are likely to be the active components responsible for changes in platelet function.