Lipoprotein oxidation and atherosclerosis

Lipoprotein oxidation is a key early stage in the development of atheroscle rosis. Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is initiated by both enzy me-mediated and non-enzymic mechanisms in vivo, and oxidized LDL has many a therogenic properties. Oxidation of LDL in vivo is likely to be influenced by local environmental factors, such as pH. The composition of LDL is also important, including such factors as antioxidant content, fatty acid compos ition and particle size.