Immunoassay to Detect Anti-oxLDL Autoantibodies

Clinical studies have shown that anti-oxLDL concentration correlates with the severity of atherosclerosis, that oxLDL/anti-oxLDL immune complexes are detectable in atherosclerotic plaques, and that antioxidant therapy and/or diet can diminish atherogenesis, according to Imtec (Berlin, Germany). Elevated anti-oxLDL antibody concentrations are found in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, lupus, preeclampsia, endometriosis, and cigarette smoking.

The new assay was developed by Imtec. The company says that the enzyme immunoassays previously used to detect anti-oxLDL antibodies were inadequately standardized and rather impractical, since they required more handling time and offered a greater possibility for error.