Autoantibodies against oxidatively modified lipoproteins and progression of carotid restenosis after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether LDL oxidation could play an important pathogenic role in early restenosis after carotid endarterectomy. An immunologic and biochemical study was performed on a group of patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy, and the degree of intima-media thickness was measured 6 months after surgery.

SUMMARY OF REPORT: Fifty-two consecutive patients were included in the study. The presence of antibodies against oxidized LDL in the serum at the time of surgery was evaluated and compared with echo Doppler flow imaging 6 months after the operation. A statistically significant correlation was found between the arterial wall thickness at the site of surgery and the absolute value of IgG antibodies against oxidized LDL (P<0.012) and IgM immunocomplexes (P<0.043).

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of antibodies against oxidized LDL at the time of surgery seems to predict a greater intima-media wall hyperplasia at 6 months after surgery, usually recognized as early restenosis.