THE OXIDATION OF LOW-DENSITY-LIPOPROTEIN BY CELLS OR IRON IS INHIBITED BY ZINC

We have examined the effect of zinc ions on low density lipoprotein (L DL) oxidation by macrophages, endothelial cells and iron ions in terms of the increased uptake of the LDL by macrophages. Zinc ions inhibite d LDL modification by both cell types (which is dependent on the prese nce of iron ions in the culture medium) and by iron ions alone. As oxi dised LDL is believed to be involved in atherogenesis, this raises the possibility that zinc may be an endogenous protective factor against atherosclerosis.