Low-density lipoprotein modified either by oxidation (oxLDL) or by human group X-secreted phospholipase A2 (LDLx) and heat shock proteins (HSP), especially HSP60 and 90, have been implicated in atherosclerosis.
Surprisingly, however, administration of varespladib acid to TTT had no impact on atherosclerosis, which could be attributed to a proatherogenic plasma lipoprotein profile that appears in response to sPLA2-IIA inhibition because of increased plasma CETP activity.
Recently completed experimental animal studies, human biomarker data, vascular imaging studies, and genome-wide atherosclerosis studies provide the rationale for proceeding with clinical outcome trials directed at inhibition of secretory phospholipase A(2) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2).
Role of group II secretory phospholipase A2 in atherosclerosis: 1. Increased atherogenesis and altered lipoproteins in transgenic mice expressing group IIa phospholipase A2.