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DESCRIPTION: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is the central enzyme in plasma triglyceride hydrolysis and is secreted by macrophages in the subendothelial space. Evidence has been provided that LPL produced by the macrophages in the vessel wall exerts proatherogenic ecffects. The atherogenic effects of LPL have been mainly attributed to its ability to favor lipid accumulation within the macrophages present in the atherosclerotic lesion. Recently, it has also been shown that LPL promotes the development of atherosclerosis through facilitation of monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, stimiulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) secretion and induction of vascular smooth musclr cell proliferation.
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