OXIDIZED LIPOPROTEINS AND ATHEROGENESIS

The assumption that the oxidation of lipoproteins plays an eminent rol e in the development of atherosclerosis is of increasing significance. Our examinations concerned the kinetics of lipid peroxidation of the poly-unsaturated fatty acids in lipoproteins and the existing protecti on mechanisms by antioxidants, such as vitamin E and carotenoids. Clin ical studies proving a correlation of plasma levels and antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E and carotenoids in correlation with cardiovasc ular disease are cited and discussed. Certain aldehydes originating du ring lipid peroxidation in LDL modify the protein part of LDL. The con sequence of the oxidative modification of LDL is a decreased recogniti on of LDL by the LDL-receptor and moreover the uptake by macrophages h ereby changing to foam cells. Epitopes as developed in oxidatively mod ified LDL were also shown immunohistochemically in atherosclerotic pla ques. Finally a hypothetic scheme is presented how LDL is oxidized in the vessel wall and how it initiates processes resulting in atheroscle rosis.