Lipid accumulation and lysosomal pathways contribute to dysfunction and apoptosis of human endothelial cells caused by 7-oxysterols

► 7βOH or 7keto induces early lipid accumulation and lysosomal membrane permeabilization. ► 7βOH or 7keto induces secretion of lysosomal cathepsin D, and up-regulation and release of VWF. ► Oxidative stress and cytosolic release of cytochrome c are involved in apoptosis of endothelial cells caused by 7βOH or 7keto.