AimTo investigate the influence of glucose and irbesartan on expression of lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1（LOX-1） mRNA and protein in cultured THP-1 cells. MethodsTHP-1 cells were differentiated by incubation with 160 nmol/L PMA for 72 hours.The cells were divided into three groups: control group, glucose group (5 mmol/L, 8 mmol/L, 12 mmol/L, 15 mmol/L), irbesartan intervention group.Then the cells in glucose group were incubated with several concentrations glucose for 24 hours. The intervention group was first treated with irbesartan for 2 h, then co-incubated with 15 mmol/L glucose for 24 h.Real time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technology were used to detect LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression.ResultsCompared with control group,the expression of LOX-1 mRNA and protein showed no significance in 5 mmol/L glucose group(P>0.05),but the expression in high glucose groups increased significantly (P<0.05),and the increase was dependent on high glucose concentration.Irbesartan group markedly decreased high glucose-induced LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression.ConclusionHigh glucose can upregulate LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner and may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.Irbesartan can block the effect of high glucose and may produce anti-atherosclerosis.