Letter to the Editor

Could Sertraline Afford Protection Against Atherosclerosis? A Medical Hypothesis

Authors: Arash Mowla, MD, M R. Namazi, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:


The local oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) within atherosclerotic lesions is widely believed to be of importance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.1 The oxidized LDL promotes adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells,2 causes an increase in the production of metalloproteinase that would probably destabilize the fibrous caps over advanced lesions,3 and induces apoptosis in cells.4 Macrophages transform into foam cells by incorporating oxidized LDL using several kinds of scavenger receptors.5

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