Effect of L-ascorbic acid on the oxidative modification of apolipoprotein E in human very-low-density lipoprotein

Antioxidant activity of L-ascorbic acid (AsA) against oxidative modification of apolipoprotein (apo) E in human very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) was investigated. The VLDL oxidation induced by peroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite led to lipid peroxidation and oxidative modification of apoE. The binding activity of apoE to heparin was decreased by the oxidative modification. AsA (200, 500, and 1,000 microm) inhibited both the lipid peroxidation and the oxidative modification of apoE. These results suggest that AsA prevents the biological function of apoE in VLDL from the oxidation by free radicals.