OXIDIZED LIPOPROTEINS MAY PLAY A ROLE IN NEURONAL CELL-DEATH IN ALZHEIMER-DISEASE

Oxidative stress in the central nervous system (CNS) may cause oxidati on of lipoprotein particles. The oxidized lipoproteins may damage cell ular and subcellular membranes, leading to tissue injury and cell deat h. Human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotei n (VLDL) are oxidized by transition metal ions, such as Cu2+ Using PC 12 cells, we tested the cytotoxicity of oxidized LDL and VLDL. Cell de ath was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Antioxidants added to th e incubation medium, such as vitamins E or C, or resveratrol showed so me protection. Results indicated that oxidized Lipoproteins may serve as an oxidative stressor, which may initiate the neuronal cell death l eading to the manifestation of Alzheimer disease (AD).