Hypochlorite-modified high-density lipoprotein promotes induction of HO-1 in endothelial cells via activation of p42/44 MAPK and zinc finger transcription factor Egr-1

► Chlorinated HDL promotes expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in endothelial cells. ► Expression involves p42/44 MAPK and activation of transcription factor Egr-1. ► EMSA demonstrates induction of Egr-1 DNA binding activity. ► Immunocytochemistry shows translocation of Egr-1 to the nucleus. ► Silencing of p42/44 MAPK and Egr-1 impairs HO-1 expression to baseline levels.