ANTIOXIDANTS, LIPOPROTEIN OXIDATION, AND ARTERIAL FUNCTION

Lipoproteins have an important influence on arterial tissues. High lev els of low density lipoproteins (LDL) may inhibit arterial function in terms of the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium. This inhib ition is enhanced by the oxidation of these lipoproteins which may occ ur during the development of atherosclerosis. Many of these effects ar e due to lipid oxidation products. The impairment of the release of ni tric oxide and vasodilatation may be partially attenuated by antioxida nts. LDL may also enhance the activity of blood platelets, especially when they are mildly oxidized. Oral administration of antioxidants may decrease the activation of platelets to a limited extent. Lipid perox ides may play a role in these processes.