Objective-Atherogenesis represents a type of chronic inflammation and involves elements of the immune response, eg, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In advanced atherosclerotic lesions, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is expressed in endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In vitro, the expression of LOX-1 is induced by inflammatory cytokines like TNF-␣ and transforming growth factor (TGF)-. Therefore, LOX-1 is thought to be upregulated locally in response to cytokines in vivo. Methods and Results-We determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis whether the mediators of the acute phase response in inflammation, IL-1␣, IL-1, and TNF-␣, regulate LOX-1 expression in cultured SMC, and whether this regulation is influenced by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ␥ (PPAR␥). We studied by immunohistochemistry whether these cytokines are spatially correlated with LOX-1 expression in advanced atherosclerotic lesions. We found upregulation of LOX-1 expression in SMC in a dose-and time-dependent manner after incubation with IL-1␣, IL-1, and TNF-␣. Simultaneous incubation with these cytokines at saturated concentrations had an additive effect on LOX-1 expression. The PPAR␥ activator, 15d-PGJ 2 , however, inhibited IL-1-induced upregulation of LOX-1. In the intima of atherosclerotic lesions regions of IL-1␣, IL-1, and TNF-␣ expression corresponded to regions of LOX-1 expression. Conclusion-We suppose that upregulated LOX-1 expression in SMC of advanced atherosclerotic lesions is a response to these proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the proinflammatory effects of these cytokines can be decreased by the antiinflammatory effect of PPAR␥.