A possible role of decreased oxidative resistance of low-density lipoproteins in the early formation of carotid atherosclerosis

Ischaemic stroke ranks among the most important causes of death and disabil ity in developed countries. Abnormal lipid metabolism is among the several factors that have a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We hypothe size that the decreased resistance of low-density lipoproteins against oxid ative stress is an independent risk factor for cerebral atherosclerosis and suggest testing this hypothesis by ultrasonographic evaluation of the caro tid artery and correlating this finding to plasma values of compounds that play a role in lipid metabolism. By measuring the oxidative resistance of l ow-density of lipoprotein the risk for ischaemic stroke can be predicted. ( C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.