Aqueous extracts of cigarette smoke promote the oxidation of low density lipoprotein by peroxidases.

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by cigarette smoke has been considered a potential mechanism by which smoking may promote atherosclerosis. We report in this study that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) inhibited copper-induced oxidation of LDL suggesting the presence of antioxidants in CSE. It is currently believed that peroxidases may oxidize LDL in vivo and during such oxidations antioxidants become pro-oxidants. Accordingly, when LDL was oxidized by peroxidase in the presence of CSE there was an increase in the oxidation of LDL. This is the first study suggesting that smoking may promote atherosclerosis by enhancing peroxidase-catalyzed lipid peroxidation.