Oxidative hypothesis of atherogenesis.

The oxidative hypothesis of atherogenesis suggests that an important event in the development of atherosclerotic lesions is the oxidation of lipids contained in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This hypothesis is supported by a number of in-vitro and in-vivo studies demonstrating the proatherogenic properties of oxidized LDL, the occurrence of oxidatively modified LDL in atherosclerotic lesions and the reduction of atherosclerotic events by antioxidants.