Effects of oxidized lipids and lipoproteins on cardiac function

Oxidative modifications of lipids and lipoproteins have long been linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis and coronary disease. Furthermore, overwhelming evidence indicate that oxidized lipids are also associated with myocardial dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. Oxidized lipid derivatives are generated by enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions with unsaturated lipids in the cell and foods. In addition, blood LDL particles are prone to oxidation leading to the formation of oxidized LDL (oxLDL), which is often associated with obesity, diabetes and metabolic disease. Whether produced endogenously or delivered by the diet, oxidized lipid derivatives induce multiple metabolic and functional disturbances in the cell leading eventually to cell injury and death. As obesity is already associated with increased oxidative stress and excess lipid deposition in the heart, the cytotoxic effects of oxidized lipids in cardiomyocytes are more pronounced in obese subjects. The overall objective of this review is to provide a synthesis of recent findings about the effects oxidized lipids in the heart. First, the origin of oxidized lipids and lipoproteins is reported. Then, the effects of oxidized lipids in cardiomyocytes are reviewed and discussed. Finally, potential preventive interventions are highlighted and discussed.