Role of ascorbic acid on in vitro oxidation of low-density lipoprotein derived from hypercholesterolemic patients.

BACKGROUND

The susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation is thought to be a crucial factor responsible for atherogenesis. There is substantial evidence for a role of dietary antioxidants in the prevention of atherogenesis and the protective effect of antioxidant nutrients may be mediated through inhibition of the oxidative modification of LDL.

METHODS

We performed in vitro oxidation of LDL derived from normal and hypercholesterolemic individuals in absence and presence of different doses of ascorbic acid.

RESULTS

The serum lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased in hypercholesterolemic patients and their LDL has shown a greater propensity towards in vitro oxidation. Hypercholesterolemic LDL required a higher amount of ascorbic acid to reduce its oxidation level as compared to LDL isolated from normocholesterolemic individuals.

CONCLUSION

This observation may be of importance in designing future studies of antioxidant supplementation in patients with hypercholesterolemia which is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis.