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Oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) are present in vessel walls and have been shown to be pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic. When cholesterol is lowered by drugs or diet, the plasma levels of the OxPL increase, suggesting a movement or clearance of the phospholipids from the vessel wall into the circulation. This activity, then, is an important indicator that plaque stabilization and/or reduction is occurring. Currently, there are no plasma biomarkers that reflect the amount of plaque or determnine the benefits of anti-atherosclerotic therapies.
UCSD researchers have invented a novel index of atherosclerosis regression which is determined by measuring the plasma content of oxidized phospholipids. The index could provide valuable information to physicians who would use this index to measure the efficacy of treatment with statins or new anti-atherogenic drugs. Case No: SD2005-037
Inquiries To: invent@ucsd.edu
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