Positive Association between Autoantibodies Against Oxidized LDL and HDL-C: A Novel Mechanism for HDL Cardioprotection?

BACKGROUND

In the atherosclerotic plaque microenvironment, oxidized phospholipids expressed in the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) surface bind to scavenger receptors of macrophages eliciting foam cell formation and plaque progression. Auto-antibodies against oxLDL (oxLDL-Ab) interact with oxidative epitopes leading to the formation of immune complexes that are unable to interact with macrophage receptors, thus abrogating atherogenesis. Release of oxLDL-Ab by B cells involves interleukin 5 and Th2 response, which in turn are potentiated by HDL. Thereby, we hypothesized that individuals with higher levels of HDL-C may plausibly display elevated titers of oxLDL-Ab.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between HDL-C and oxLDL-Ab levels.

METHODS

Asymptomatic individuals (n = 193) were grouped according to their HDL-C concentration to one of three categories: low (< 68 mg/dL), intermediate (68 to 80 mg/dL) or high (> 80 mg/dL). P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 193 individuals (mean age: 47 years; male: 26.3%). Compared to individuals in the lowest HDL-C tertile, those in the highest tertile were older (36 versus 53 years; p = 0.001) and less frequently male (42.6% versus 20.9%; p = 0.001). Mean values of oxLDL-Ab increased as the HDL-C group escalated (0.31, 0.33 and 0.43 units, respectively; p = 0.001 for trend). Simple linear regression found a significant, positive relationship between the independent variable, HDL-C, and the dependent variable, oxLDL-Ab (R = 0.293; p = 0.009). This relation remained significant (R = 0.30; p = 0.044), after adjustment by covariates. Apolipoprotein AI levels were also related to oxLDL-Ab in both simple and adjusted linear regression models.

CONCLUSION

HDL-C and oxLDL-Ab are independently related.

Low-density lipoprotein oxidation biomarkers in human health and disease and effects of bioactive compounds

Based on the significance of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in health and disease, this review focuses on human studies addressing oxidation of LDL, including three lines of biomarkers, (i) ex vivo LDL resistance to oxidation, a "challenge test" model, (ii) circulating oxidized LDL, indicating the "current in vivo status", and (iii) autoantibodies against oxidized LDL as fingerprints of an immune response to oxidized LDL, along with circulating oxysterols and 4-hydroxynonenal as biomarkers of lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation and oxidized LDL are hallmarks in the development of various metabolic, cardiovascular and other diseases. Changes further occur across life stages from infancy to older age as well as in athletes and smokers. Given their responsiveness to targeted nutritional interventions, markers of LDL oxidation have been employed in a rapidly growing number of human studies for more than 2 decades. There is growing interest in foods, which, besides providing energy and nutrients, exert beneficial effects on human health, such as protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. Any health claim, however, needs to be substantiated by supportive evidence derived from human studies, using reliable biomarkers to demonstrate such beneficial effects. A large body of evidence has accumulated, demonstrating protection of LDL from oxidation by bioactive food compounds, including vitamins, other micronutrients and secondary plant ingredients, which will facilitate the selection of oxidation biomarkers for future human intervention studies and health claim support.

Relationship of Autoantibodies to MDA-LDL and ApoB-Immune Complexes to Sex, Ethnicity, Subclinical Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Events

OBJECTIVE

Modifications of lipid constituents within atherosclerotic lesions generate neoepitopes that activate innate and adaptive immune responses. We aimed to define the prevalence, distribution, and relationship of autoantibody titers of oxidized lipoproteins to subclinical atherosclerosis and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in different ethnic groups.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

IgG and IgM autoantibodies to malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) and apolipoprotein B-100-immune complexes were measured in 3509 individuals (1814 blacks, 1031 whites, 589 Hispanics, and 85 no race identifier) from the Dallas Heart Study with median 10.5-year follow-up. Coronary artery calcium score, abdominal aortic plaque by magnetic resonance imaging, and MACE were quantified. IgG MDA-LDL and IgG and IgM apolipoprotein B-100-immune complexes were significantly different between groups, with blacks having the highest levels of IgG MDA-LDL and IgG apolipoprotein B-100-immune complexes and Hispanics having the highest levels of IgM apolipoprotein B-100-immune complexes (P<0.001 for all). IgGs tended to be higher and IgMs lower with age for all markers. In multivariable-adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, a doubling of IgG MDA-LDL levels was associated with prevalent coronary artery calcium score >10 Agatston units (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.21 [1.07-1.36]; P=0.002). Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that IgG MDA-LDL was independently associated with time to incident MACE in the entire group (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.76 [1.16-2.72]; P=0.009 for fourth versus first quartile). This effect was particularly prominent in black subjects (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.52 [1.39-4.57]; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Autoantibodies to oxidized lipoproteins and immune complexes with apoB-100 lipoproteins vary significantly by sex, age, and ethnicity. Higher baseline IgG MDA-LDL titers independently associate with new MACE. These findings may contribute to the understanding of differences in ethnic-specific MACE events.

Probiotic Soy Product Supplemented with Isoflavones Improves the Lipid Profile of Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated that specific probiotics affect the host’s metabolism and may influence the cardiovascular disease risk. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of an isoflavone-supplemented soy product fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416 on cardiovascular risk markers in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. Design: Randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial Setting: São Paulo State University in Araraquara, SP, Brazil. Participants: 49 male healthy men with total cholesterol (TC) >5.17 mmol/L and <6.21 mmol/L Intervention: The volunteers have consumed 200 mL of the probiotic soy product (group SP-10¹⁰ CFU/day), isoflavone-supplemented probiotic soy product (group ISP–probiotic plus 50 mg of total isoflavones/100 g) or unfermented soy product (group USP-placebo) for 42 days in a randomized, double-blind study. Main outcome measures: Lipid profile and additional cardiovascular biomarkers were analyzed on days 0, 30 and 42. Urine samples (24 h) were collected at baseline and at the end of the experiment so as to determine the isoflavones profile. Results: After 42 days, the ISP consumption led to improved total cholesterol, non-HDL-C (LDL + IDL + VLDL cholesterol fractions) and electronegative LDL concentrations (reduction of 13.8%, 14.7% and 24.2%, respectively, p < 0.05). The ISP and SP have prevented the reduction of HDL-C level after 42 days. The C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were not improved. The equol production by the ISP group subjects was inversely correlated with electronegative LDL concentration. Conclusions: The results suggest that a regular consumption of this probiotic soy product, supplemented with isoflavones, could contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in moderately hypercholesterolemic men, through the an improvement in lipid profile and antioxidant properties.

Antioxidant effects of statins in the management of cardiometabolic disorders

Redox systems are key players in vascular health. A shift in redox homeostasis-that results in an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endogenous antioxidant defenses has the potential to create a state of oxidative stress that subsequently plays a role in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, including those of the cardiovascular and metabolic system. Statins, which are primarily used to reduce the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, have also been shown to reduce oxidative stress by modulating redox systems. Studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo support the role of oxidative stress in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress may also be responsible for various diabetic complications and the development of fatty liver. Statins reduce oxidative stress by blocking the generation of ROS and reducing the NAD+/NADH ratio. These drugs also have effects on nitric oxide synthase, lipid peroxidation and the adiponectin levels. It is possible that the antioxidant properties of statins contribute to their protective cardiovascular effects, independent of the lipid-lowering actions of these agents. However, possible adverse effects of statins on glucose homeostasis may be related to the redox system. Therefore, studies investigating the modulation of redox signaling by statins are warranted.

Modified low density lipoprotein and lipoprotein-containing circulating immune complexes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of atherosclerosis and type 1 diabetes macrovascular disease

In atherosclerosis; blood low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are subjected to multiple enzymatic and non-enzymatic modifications that increase their atherogenicity and induce immunogenicity. Modified LDL are capable of inducing vascular inflammation through activation of innate immunity; thus, contributing to the progression of atherogenesis. The immunogenicity of modified LDL results in induction of self-antibodies specific to a certain type of modified LDL. The antibodies react with modified LDL forming circulating immune complexes. Circulating immune complexes exhibit prominent immunomodulatory properties that influence atherosclerotic inflammation. Compared to freely circulating modified LDL; modified LDL associated with the immune complexes have a more robust atherogenic and proinflammatory potential. Various lipid components of the immune complexes may serve not only as diagnostic but also as essential predictive markers of cardiovascular events in atherosclerosis. Accumulating evidence indicates that LDL-containing immune complexes can also serve as biomarker for macrovascular disease in type 1 diabetes.

Presence of cytomegalovirus DNA in leucocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress and subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy adults

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection as a biomarker of oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Latent CMV infection was diagnosed in healthy individuals with PCR-evidence of CMV DNA in peripheral leucocytes. Oxidative stress and atherosclerosis were measured by mitochondrial DNA oxidative damage index (mtDNA(ΔCT)) and intima media thickness (IMT).

RESULTS

The CMV DNA positive subjects had a higher mean mtDNA(ΔCT) and greater IMT than subjects in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of CMV DNA in leucocytes, as a marker of latent CMV infection, was associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy adults.

Using oxidized low-density lipoprotein autoantibodies to predict restenosis after balloon angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objectives

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein autoantibodies (OLAB) have been detected in human plasma and atherosclerotic lesions. OLAB appear to play a role in the clearance of oxLDL from circulation. Higher levels of OLAB appear to be associated with a reduced risk of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the prognostic value of plasma oxLDL and OLAB in patients undergoing primary coronary balloon angioplasty for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Plasma oxLDL and OLAB concentrations were measured in 56 patients with acute STEMI before primary angioplasty, and then 3 days, 7 days and 1 month after the acute event. Follow-up angiography was repeated 6 months later to detect the presence of restensosis (defined as >50% luminal diameter stenosis). The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score was calculated to determine the relationship between OLAB/oxLDL ratio and TIMI risk scores.

Results

Of the 56 patients, 18 (31%) had angiographic evidence of restenosis. Plasma OLAB concentrations were significantly lower in the restenosis group before angioplasty (181±114 vs. 335±257 U/L, p = 0.003), and at day 3 (155±92 vs. 277±185 U/L, p<0.001) and day 7 (177±110 vs. 352±279 U/L, p<0.001) after the acute event. There was no difference in oxLDL concentration between the two groups. The ratio of OLAB/oxLDL positively correlated with TIMI risk scores before angioplasty (p for trend analysis, p = 0.004), at day 3 (p = 0.008) and day 7 (p<0.001) after STEMI.

Significance

A relative deficit of OLAB, and hence likely impaired clearance of oxLDL, is associated with the risk of arterial restenosis after primary angioplasty for acute STEMI.

Auto-antibodies as emergent prognostic markers and possible mediators of ischemic cardiovascular diseases

During the last 15 years, a growing body of evidence supported the fact that auto-antibodies represent not only emergent markers but also active mediators of cardiovascular disease (CVD), clinically represented mostly by acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stroke. There is a contrasted relationship between auto-antibodies and CVD, some being protective, while others acting as potential risk factors. Therefore, we performed a review of the literature on the respective cardiovascular prognostic value of the most relevant auto-antibodies in ACS and stroke, and their putative pathophysiological properties in atherogenesis. This review highlights auto-antibodies as active modulators of the innate immune system in atherogenesis (either toward a pro- or anti-inflammatory response), or by affecting basal heart rate regulation (anti-apoA-1 IgG). Given their apparent prognostic independency towards traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the data available in the literature indicates that some of those auto-antibodies could be of valuable help for cardiovascular risk stratification in the future, especially because their deleterious effects have been shown to be potentially abrogated in vivo and in vitro by existing therapeutic modalities. Although evidence in humans is currently lacking, these studies may open innovative therapeutic perspectives for CVD in the future.

LDL Oxidation and Its Association With Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness and Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Sample of Spanish General Population

We studied the association between oxidized low-density lipoproteins (OxLDLs) and early atherosclerosis, assessed by carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), as well as with other known atherosclerosis risk factors in a sample of the general middle- and old-age population of Burgos (Spain). Circulating OxLDL showed a significant and independent association with the average cIMT of both carotid arteries but not with the absence or presence of ≥1 carotid atheroma plaques. Plasma OxLDL concentrations were associated with age, smoking, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides, independently of other variables. Our findings in an asymptomatic sample representative of the Spanish middle- and old-age population underscore the role of OxLDL in early atherosclerosis represented by the cIMT especially in older asymptomatic individuals, but this cannot be extended to more advanced atherosclerosis, represented by carotid plaques.

The I405V and Taq1B polymorphisms of the CETP gene differentially affect sub-clinical carotid atherosclerosis

Background

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a major role in lipid metabolism, but studies on the association of CETP polymorphisms with risks of cardiovascular disease are inconsistent. This study investigated whether the CETP gene I405V and Taq1B polymorphisms modified subclinical atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic Brazilian population sample.

Methods

The polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction in 207 adult volunteers. Serum lipid profiles, oxLDL Ab titers, C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and CETP and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activities were determined, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured using ultrasonography.

Results

No differences in cIMT were observed between the presence or absence of the minor B2 and V alleles in either polymorphism. However, inverse correlations between mean cIMT and CETP activity in the presence of these polymorphisms were observed, and positive correlations of these polymorphisms with PLTP activity and oxLDL Ab titers were identified. Moreover, logistic multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of the B2 allele was associated with a 5.1-fold (CI 95%, OR: 1.26 – 21.06) increased risk for cIMT, which was equal and above the 66^th percentile and positively interacted with age. However, no associations with the V allele or CETP and PLTP activities were observed.

Conclusions

None of the studied parameters, including CETP activity, explained the different relationships between these polymorphisms and cIMT, suggesting that other non-determined factors were affected by the genotypes and related to carotid atherosclerotic disease.

Association between OLR1 K167N SNP and intima media thickness of the common carotid artery in the general population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The lectin-like oxidised LDL receptor-1 (OLR1) gene encodes a scavenger receptor implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Although functional roles have been suggested for two variants, epidemiological studies on OLR1 have been inconsistent.

METHODS

We tested the association between the non-synonymous substitution K167N (rs11053646) and intima media thickness of the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) in 2,141 samples from the Progression of Lesions in the Intima of the Carotid (PLIC) study (a prospective population-based study).

RESULTS

Significantly increased IMT was observed in male carriers of the minor C (N) allele compared to GC and GG (KN and KK) genotype. Functional analysis on macrophages suggested a decreased association to Ox-LDL in NN carriers compared to KN and KK carriers which is also associated with a reduced OLR1 mRNA expression. Macrophages from NN carriers present also a specific inflammatory gene expression pattern compared to cells from KN and KK carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the 167N variant of LOX-1 receptor affects the atherogenic process in the carotid artery prior to evidence of disease through an inflammatory process.

Oxidative stress and lectin-like ox-LDL-receptor LOX-1 in atherogenesis and tumorigenesis

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) has been identified as a major receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in endothelial cells, monocytes, platelets, cardiomyocytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Its expression is minimal under physiological conditions but can be induced under pathological conditions. The upregulation of LOX-1 by ox-LDL appears to be important for physiologic processes, such as endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, and endothelium remodeling. Pathophysiologic effects of ox-LDL in atherogenesis have also been firmly established, including endothelial cell dysfunction, smooth muscle cell growth and migration, monocyte transformation into macrophages, and finally platelet aggregation-seen in atherogenesis. Recent studies show a positive correlation between increased serum ox-LDL levels and an increased risk of colon, breast, and ovarian cancer. As in atherosclerosis, ox-LDL and its receptor LOX-1 activate the inflammatory pathway through nuclear factor-kappa B, leading to cell transformation. LOX-1 is important for maintaining the transformed state in developmentally diverse cancer cell lines and for tumor growth, suggesting a molecular connection between atherogenesis and tumorigenesis.

Should we measure routinely oxidised and atherogenic dense low-density lipoproteins in subjects with type 2 diabetes?

Beyond low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations, in recent years, several clinical studies have shown that both oxidised and small, dense LDL have a strong predictive role for the presence of vascular atherosclerosis. These two lipid parameters seem to have a synergistic impact on cardiovascular risk, with a greater importance in patients at higher-risk, such as those with type-2 diabetes. Increased levels of oxidised and small, dense LDL levels are a feature of diabetic dyslipidaemia, and small, dense LDL have been shown to be a good predictor of future cardiovascular events, at both univariate and multivariate analyses. On the other hand, although the association of oxidised LDL with surrogate markers of atherosclerosis is consistent, the correlation with hard clinical end points seems to be smaller. Yet, measurement of these two lipid parameters has not been widely used in daily practice because of the limited availability of clinical data and methodological problems: lack of availability of easy, cheap and reproducible essays for measurement of oxidised and, particularly, small, dense LDL has reduced their assessment in large clinical end-points trials. However, on the basis of available data, the therapeutic modulation of small, dense LDL is significantly associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, even after adjustment for confounding factors. In conclusion, the routine measurement of oxidised and small, dense LDL in patients with type-2 diabetes cannot be recommended in daily clinical practice so far; yet, their measurement is strongly encouraged to better understand their role on the cardiovascular risk of patients with type-2 diabetes.

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins upregulate proline oxidase to initiate ROS-dependent autophagy

Epidemiological studies showed that high levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) are associated with increased cancer risk. We examined the direct effect of physiologic concentrations oxLDL on cancer cells. OxLDLs were cytotoxic and activate both apoptosis and autophagy. OxLDLs have ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and upregulated proline oxidase (POX) through this nuclear receptor. We identified 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) as a main component responsible for the latter. To elucidate the role of POX in oxLDL-mediated cytotoxicity, we knocked down POX via small interfering RNA and found that this (i) further reduced viability of cancer cells treated with oxLDL; (ii) decreased oxLDL-associated reactive oxygen species generation; (iii) decreased autophagy measured via beclin-1 protein level and light-chain 3 protein (LC3)-I into LC3-II conversion. Using POX-expressing cell model, we established that single POX overexpression was sufficient to activate autophagy. Thus, it led to autophagosomes accumulation and increased conversion of LC3-I into LC3-II. Moreover, beclin-1 gene expression was directly dependent on POX catalytic activity, namely the generation of POX-dependent superoxide. We conclude that POX is critical in the cellular response to the noxious effects of oxLDL by activating protective autophagy.

Effects of isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt on lipid parameters and atherosclerosis development in hypercholesterolemic rabbits: a randomized double-blind study

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in natural treatments to control dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of soy yogurt fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and of dietary isoflavones on the lipid profile. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt, fermented with E. faecium CRL183, on lipid parameters and atherosclerosis development in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS

Forty-eight rabbits were randomly assigned to eight groups fed on the following diets for 60 days: C - control; IY - isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt; H - hypercholesterolemic (1.0% cholesterol wt/wt diet); HY - hypercholesterolemic plus soy yogurt; HIY - hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone-supplemented soy yogurt; HP - hypercholesterolemic plus placebo; HI - hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone and HE - hypercholesterolemic plus pure culture of E. faecium CRL 183. Serum lipids and autoantibodies against oxLDL (oxLDL Ab) were analyzed on days 0, 30 and 60 of the treatment and the atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the experiment.

RESULTS

Soy yogurt, soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones and placebo promoted significant reductions in total cholesterol level (38.1%, 27.0% and 26.6%, respectively). Significant increases in serum HDL-C concentration relative to group H were detected in animals that ingested soy yogurt, with or without the isoflavone supplement (55.2%), E. faecium culture (43.3%) or placebo (35.8%). Intake of soy yogurt and soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones prevented the rise of oxLDL Ab during the study period. The extent of atherosclerosis in the thoracic and abdominal aortas was reduced in the HIY, HY and HP groups. However, when the whole aorta was analyzed, animals treated with soy yogurt supplemented with isoflavones exhibited the greatest reduction (51.4%, P < 0.05) in atherosclerotic lesion area, compared to group H.

CONCLUSION

Soy yogurt could be consumed as an alternative means of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving the lipid profile and inhibiting oxLDL Ab formation. Our findings also suggest that isoflavone supplementation may enhance the antiatherosclerotic effect of soy yogurt.

Oxidized LDL and C-reactive protein level in relation to carotid intima-media thickness in population with risk factors for atherosclerosis

Introduction. Elevated levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol (OxLDL) are considered to be a key factor of initiating and accelerating atherosclerosis. It promotes atherosclerosis through inflammatory and immunologic mechanisms that lead to the formation of macrophage foam cells. Objective. To determine the relationship among OxLDL, C-reactive protein (CRP) level and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in population with risk factors for atherosclerosis. Methods. The study group consisted of 125 clinically healthy, hypercholesterolaemic subjects (49.3?5.7 years; 75 females and 50 males) compared with 100 age-matched population-based control subjects. The study group was divided into two subgroups: subgroup A (the levels of LDL cholesterol > 5 mmol/L) and subgroup B (the levels of LDL cholesterol <5 mmol/L). None of the subjects had history of cerebrovascular, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension or diabetes mellitus. Lipid profiles were measured by enzymatic methods. OxLDL was measured by using a specific monoclonal antibody, mAb4E6. CRP was measured using hemiluminescent methods (Immulite - DPC). The common carotid IMT was measured by the B-mode ultrasound. Results Compared to controls, the study group had higher levels of OxLDL (119.97?43.15 vs. 82.03?25.99 IU/L; p<0.01) and CRP (6.20?3.55 vs. 2.68?3.04 mg/ml; p<0.05). IMT was significantly higher in study subjects (1.14?0.38 vs. 0.72?0.24 mm; p<0.05). We also found that, in the whole study group, IMT significantly positively correlated with OxLDL (r=0.442; p<0.05). We found that in the study subgroup A, IMT positively correlated with CRP (r=0.792; p<0.01). In controls, we found a significantly positive association between IMT and OxLDL (r=0.781; p<0.01) and CRP (r=0.748; p<0.01). Conclusion. The elevated levels of OxLDL and CRP are associated with higher common carotid intima-media thickness in population with risk factors for atherosclerosis.