Oxidized LDL, ceroid, and prostaglandin metabolism in human atherosclerosis

A noted histological feature of human atherosclerotic lesions upon dissection is the presence of a ‘pigment’ referred to as ceroid; however the significance of ceroid in human fatty streaks and atherosclerotic plaques is not certain. The research focus to this point has presumed that ceroid synthesis and intracellular accumulation is harmful and may have adverse effects on lesion progression or reversibility. Alternatively, ceroid production may be a defense mechanism employed by cells in the artery wall to prevent uncontrolled synthesis and release of prostaglandins (PGs) or prostaglandin-precursors locally. Export of PGs or PG precursors may promote blood platelet aggregation at the site of export. A feedback inhibition mechanism will arrest the cellular export of prostaglandins, thus ending a potentially disastrous premature clotting event.