OXIDIZED LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS INDUCE IRON RELEASE FROM ACTIVATED MYOGLOBIN

Recent reports have detected the presence of iron in human atheroscler otic lesions [Biochem. J. 286 (1992) 901-905]. This study provides evi dence for a biochemical mechanism whereby iron is released from myoglo bin by low density lipoprotein (LDL) which has become oxidised by the ferryl myoglobin species. The haem destabilisation and iron release ar e inhibited by monohydroxamate compounds and desferrioxamine through t heir ability to inhibit the propagation of LDL oxidation. Thus, iron m ay derive from the myoglobin released from ruptured cells in the oxidi sing environment of the atherosclerotic lesion.