Electronegative LDL: A Circulating Modified LDL with a Role in Inflammation

Electronegative low density lipoprotein (LDL(−)) is a minor modified fraction of LDL found in blood. It comprises a heterogeneous population of LDL particles modified by various mechanisms sharing as a common feature increased electronegativity. Modification by oxidation is one of these mechanisms. LDL(−) has inflammatory properties similar to those of oxidized LDL (oxLDL), such as inflammatory cytokine release in leukocytes and endothelial cells. However, in contrast with oxLDL, LDL(−) also has some anti-inflammatory effects on cultured cells. The inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties ascribed to LDL(−) suggest that it could have a dual biological effect.