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Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, a two-faced Janus in coronary artery disease?
S Parthasarathy1, N Santanam, N Augé
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. spartha@emory.edu
Insights
Antioxidants combat oxidative stress linked to diseases like atherosclerosis. However, this commentary questions their universal benefit and explores potential advantages of oxidation in cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Oxidative stress is implicated in numerous diseases, with antioxidants widely promoted for prevention and treatment.
- The oxidation hypothesis is particularly prominent in atherosclerosis research, suggesting oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) initiates lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of oxidation in cardiovascular disease.
- To evaluate the potential benefits of antioxidant treatments.
- To critically examine the oxidation hypothesis and explore potential benefits of oxidation itself.
Main Methods:
- Commentary and critical review of existing scientific literature.
- Discussion of the oxidation hypothesis in atherosclerosis.
- Exploration of proatherogenic effects of oxidized LDL components.
Main Results:
- Oxidized LDL is a key factor in early atherosclerotic lesion development.
- Both protein and lipid components of oxidized LDL exhibit proatherogenic effects.
- The universal benefit of antioxidants requires further investigation; some oxidation may be beneficial.
Conclusions:
- While antioxidants are widely studied for cardiovascular disease, their efficacy is not fully established.
- The role of oxidation in cardiovascular disease is complex, and some oxidative processes may offer protective benefits.
- Further research is needed to understand the nuanced role of oxidation and antioxidants in cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
The word antioxidant has become a household term, and every day we are bombarded with claims of antioxidant protection against a host of diseases. Atherosclerosis, cancer, gastric ulcers, memory loss, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, pregnancy complications, hypertension, stroke, and a host of other diseases have been suggested to be induced by oxidative stress, and antioxidants have been suggested to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of these disorders. While some of these may be exuberant claims, atherosclerosis is one disease in which the oxidation hypothesis has taken firm roots. The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been suggested to be a key step in the initiation of the early atherosclerotic lesion. A number of proatherogenic effects have been described for both the protein and lipid components of oxidized low-density lipoprotein. In this commentary, a brief description of the involvement of oxidation and the potential for antioxidant treatment for cardiovascular disease will be provided. However, there are innumerable questions plaguing the hypothesis; this commentary, therefore, will also serve as a devil's advocate and propose that some form of oxidation might actually be beneficial.