LOX-1 expression and oxidized LDL uptake and toxicity in the HN33 neuronal cell line

• HN33 cells express LOX-1 protein.
• LOX-1 expression in HN33 is increased by hypoxia.
• HN33 cells take up DiI-labeled Ox-LDL in a concentration-dependent fashion.
• Ox-LDL is toxic to HN33 cells.

Cardiovascular risk factors appear to influence the risk and progression of neurodegenerative disease, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We investigated the possible involvement of oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) in neurodegeneration by studying the expression of LOX-1 and the effects of Ox-LDL in HN33 cells, a neuronal cell line of central nervous system origin. HN33 cells showed LOX-1 protein expression, hypoxic induction of LOX-1, Ox-LDL uptake and Ox-LDL toxicity. LOX-1/Ox-LDL signaling may contribute to the association between cardiovascular risk factors and neurodegenerative disease.