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Antioxidants and atherosclerosis: a current assessment.
1Department of Vascular Cell Biology and Atherosclerosis, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195.
Clinical Cardiology
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a role in atherosclerosis. While some studies show antioxidants help, others indicate their effects may be secondary to lipid reduction.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Plasma lipoproteins, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), undergo significant changes upon free radical oxidation.
- Oxidized LDL exhibits altered interactions with cellular receptors, including scavenger receptors on macrophages, and influences cytokine and growth factor production.
- These modifications suggest a role for oxidized lipoproteins in cellular regulation and disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine recent studies on the effects of antioxidants on atherosclerosis.
- To evaluate the evidence supporting the hypothesis that oxidized LDL contributes to atherosclerotic lesion development.
- To investigate the conflicting findings regarding the efficacy of antioxidants in mitigating atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature focusing on oxidized LDL and antioxidant effects.
- Analysis of studies investigating LDL oxidation, receptor interactions, and cellular responses.
- Evaluation of research on the impact of antioxidants on atherosclerotic lesion progression.
Main Results:
- Oxidized LDL can be recognized by scavenger receptors, influencing gene expression and cytokine production.
- A proposed mechanism links LDL oxidation to key aspects of atherosclerotic lesion development, including monocyte recruitment and foam cell formation.
- Evidence is mixed regarding the benefits of antioxidants, with some studies showing positive effects and others suggesting these are secondary to lipid-lowering.
Conclusions:
- Oxidized LDL is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis through various cellular mechanisms.
- The role of antioxidants in preventing or treating atherosclerosis remains debated, with conflicting evidence on their direct efficacy versus indirect effects via lipid reduction.