[Oxidized lipoproteins and atherogenesis]

The assumption that the oxidation of lipoproteins plays an eminent role in the development of atherosclerosis is of increasing significance. Our examinations concerned the kinetics of lipid peroxidation of the poly-unsaturated fatty acids in lipoproteins and the existing protection mechanisms by antioxidants, such as vitamin E and carotenoids. Clinical studies proving a correlation of plasma levels and antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E and carotenoids in correlation with cardiovascular disease are cited and discussed. Certain aldehydes originating during lipid peroxidation in LDL modify the protein part of LDL. The consequence of the oxidative modification of LDL is a decreased recognition of LDL by the LDL-receptor and moreover the uptake by macrophages hereby changing to foam cells. Epitopes as developed in oxidatively modified LDL were also shown immunohistochemically in atherosclerotic plaques. Finally a hypothetic scheme is presented how LDL is oxidized in the vessel wall and how it initiates processes resulting in atherosclerosis.