Question: 

The lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LOX-1) receptor-1 is a scavenger receptor that mediates the cellular uptake of oxidized LDL-cholesterol (oxLDL). LOX-1 is primarily expressed on macrophages, but also present on endothelial and smooth muscle cells. LOX-1 is upregulated in atherosclerotic plaques and in adipose tissue of obese mice. Beside its role in development of atherosclerosis, LOX-1 function in metabolic tissues remains unclear.

Methodology: 

To address this question, C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard rodent chow or a high-fat diet (60% calories from fat, 0.03% cholesterol) for 20 weeks.

Results: 

All mice on high-fat diet developed marked obesity with hyperglycemia. The amount of white adipose tissue was also increased by high-fat diet feeding. Western Blot analysis of leptin expression revealed a strong induction after high-fat-diet. LOX-1 protein expression was quantified in epididymal and retroperitoneal adipose tissue. We found a slight induction in epididymal fat pads, whereas retroperitoneal fat pads showed a decreased expression after high-fat diet feeding. In addition, hepatic and skeletal LOX-1 expression remained unchanged in obese mice. Because LOX-1 might activate oxidative stress pathways, we analyzed the expression of the antioxidative Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD-2). Mn SOD-2 was strongly reduced in white epididymal fat pads and in the liver of obese mice.

Conclusion: 

LOX-1 is present in metabolic active tissues and may be contribute to the development of oxidative stress under obese and diabetic conditions.