The Role of Halogenative Stress in Atherogenic Modification of Low-Density Lipoproteins

This review discusses formation of reactive halogen species (RHS) catalyzed by myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme mostly present in leukocytes. An imbalance between the RHS production and body's ability to remove or neutralize them leads to the development of halogenative stress. RHS reactions with proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and antioxidants in the content of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) of the human blood are described. MPO binds site-specifically to the LDL surface and modifies LDL properties and structural organization, which leads to the LDL conversion into proatherogenic forms captured by monocytes/macrophages, which causes accumulation of cholesterol and its esters in these cells and their transformation into foam cells, the basis of atherosclerotic plaques. The review describes the biomarkers of MPO enzymatic activity and halogenative stress, as well as the involvement of the latter in the development of atherosclerosis.