Related Experiment Videos
alpha-tocopherol protects the peroxidative modification of LDL to be recognized by LDL receptors
N Sakuma1, M Yosikawa, T Hibino
1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya City University, Medical School, Japan.
Background:
Peroxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may contribute to the atherosclerotic process; therefore, protecting LDL against peroxidation may reduce or retard the progression of atherosclerosis. We evaluated the effect of alpha-tocopherol on copper-catalyzed LDL peroxidative modification.
Methods:
The protective effects of alpha-tocopherol on copper-catalyzed LDL peroxidative modification were examined by measurement of the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides in LDL and by the provision of LDL cholesterol to lymphocytes via the LDL receptor-mediated pathway.
Results:
The measurement of concentration of lipid hydroperoxides in LDL showed that alpha-tocopherol inhibited the peroxidative modification of LDL. Also, alpha-tocopherol preserved the ability of LDL to be recognized by LDL receptors in peripheral blood lymphocytes to the same extent as native LDL.
Conclusion:
These findings indicate that alpha-tocopherol may protect LDL against peroxidative modification, maintaining its ability to act as a ligand for LDL receptors in vivo.