Dynamic AFM detection of the oxidation-induced changes in size, stiffness, and stickiness of low-density lipoprotein

Journal of Nanobiotechnology

Yuanfang Li¹  Kun Wang¹  Chao Luo²  Yong Chen² 

[1] Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Microscale interdisciplinary Study, Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, 330031, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China;School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Ave., Honggutan District, 330031, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China;School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Ave., Honggutan District, 330031, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China;

关键词: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL);    Atherosclerosis;    Atomic force microscopy (AFM);    LDL oxidation;    Young’s modulus;    Adhesion force;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12951-020-00727-x

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundLow-density lipoprotein (LDL) is an important plasma lipoprotein transporting lipids to peripheral tissues/cells. The oxidation of LDL plays critical roles in atherogenesis and its oxidized form (oxLDL) is an important risk factor of atherosclerosis. The biomechanical properties of LDL/oxLDL are closely correlated with the disease. To date, however, the oxidation-induced changes in size and biomechanical properties (stiffness and stickiness) of LDL particles are less investigated.MethodsIn this study, copper-induced LDL oxidation was confirmed by detecting electrophoretic mobility, malondialdehyde production, and conjugated diene formation. Then, the topographical and biomechanical mappings of LDL particles before/after and during oxidation were performed by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the size and biomechanical forces of particles were measured and quantitatively analyzed.ResultsOxidation induced a significant decrease in size and stiffness (Young’s modulus) but a significant increase in stickiness (adhesion force) of LDL particles. The smaller, softer, and stickier characteristics of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) partially explains its pro-atherosclerotic role.ConclusionsThe data implies that LDL oxidation probably aggravates atherogenesis by changing the size and biomechanical properties of LDL particles. The data may provide important information for a better understanding of LDL/oxLDL and atherosclerosis.

【 授权许可】

CC BY