Aged garlic extract attenuates intracellular oxidative stress.

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been recognized as playing an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. We recently reported that aged garlic extract (AGE) inhibited LDL oxidation and minimized oxidized LDL-induced cell injury. In this study, the antioxidant effects of AGE were further examined using bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) and murine macrophages. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, as an index of membrane injury, and intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels were determined. Oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) caused an increase of LDH release and depletion of GSH. Pretreatment with AGE prevented these changes. AGE exhibited an inhibition of Ox-LDL-induced peroxides in PAEC. AGE suppressed peroxides in murine Macrophage (J774 cells) dose-dependently. The J774 cells were also incubated with AGE, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and nitric oxide (NO) production was measured. AGE inhibited NO production in J774 cells. In a cell free system, AGE was shown to scavenge H2O2 dose-dependently. Our data demonstrate that AGE can protect the endothelial cells from oxidized LDL-induced injury by preventing depletion of intracellular GSH and by removing peroxides. AGE also reduces levels of NO and peroxides in macrophages. These data suggest that AGE is a useful protective agent against cytotoxicity associated with Ox-LDL and NO, and it may thus be useful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.     

Antioxidant alpha-keto-carboxylate pyruvate protects low-density lipoprotein and atherogenic macrophages

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) plays a pathogenic role in atherogenesis. Classical antioxidants such as L-ascorbic acid can inhibit formation of oxLDL. Alpha-Keto-carboxylates such as pyruvate and congeners also display antioxidant properties in some cell-free and intact cell systems. We tested the hypothesis that pyruvate or alpha-keto-glutarate may function as antioxidants with respect to LDL incubated with 5 or 10 microM Cu2+ alone or in combination with THP-1-derived macrophages. alpha-Hydroxy-carboxylates (L-lactate), linear aliphatic monocarboxylates (acetate/caprylate) and L-ascorbic acid served as controls. The oxLDL formation was ascertained by electrophoretic mobility and oxLDL cytotoxicity was judged by macrophage viability and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation. Cu2+ alone was not cytotoxic but increased electrophoretic mobility of cell-free LDL, stimulating TBARS. Millimolar pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate, or micromolar L-ascorbic acid partially inhibited oxLDL formation, while alpha-hydroxy-carboxylate or the aliphatic mono-carboxylates had no measurable antioxidant properties in cell-free LDL. Co-culture of LDL with macrophages and Cu2+ augmented TBARS release and resulted in 95% macrophage death. Pyruvate improved macrophage viability with 5 microM Cu2+ up to 60%. L-Ascorbic acid (> or = 100 microM) protected macrophages up to 80%. When > or = 100 microM L-ascorbic acid was combined with pyruvate, oxLDL formation and macrophage death were fully prevented. Thus, alpha-keto-carboxylates, but not physiological alpha-hydroxy-carboxylates or aliphatic monocarboxylates qualify as antioxidants in LDL systems. Since alpha-keto-carboxylates enhanced the antioxidant power of L-ascorbic acid, our findings may have implications for strategies attenuating atherosclerosis.     

Antioxidant α-Keto-carboxylate Pyruvate Protects Low-density Lipoprotein and Atherogenic Macrophages

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) plays a pathogenic role in atherogenesis. Classical antioxidants such as l -ascorbic acid can inhibit formation of oxLDL. &#102 -Keto-carboxylates such as pyruvate and congeners also display antioxidant properties in some cell-free and intact cell systems. We tested the hypothesis that pyruvate or &#102 -keto-glutarate may function as antioxidants with respect to LDL incubated with 5 or 10 &#119 M Cu 2+ alone or in combination with THP-1-derived macrophages. &#102 -Hydroxy-carboxylates ( l -lactate), linear aliphatic mono-carboxylates (acetate/caprylate) and l -ascorbic acid served as controls. The oxLDL formation was ascertained by electrophoretic mobility and oxLDL cytotoxicity was judged by macrophage viability and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation. Cu 2+ alone was not cytotoxic but increased electrophoretic mobility of cell-free LDL, stimulating TBARS. Millimolar pyruvate, &#102 -keto-glutarate, or micromolar l -ascorbic acid partially inhibited oxLDL formation, while &#102 -hydroxy-carboxylate or the aliphatic mono-carboxylates had no measurable antioxidant properties in cell-free LDL. Co-culture of LDL with macrophages and Cu 2+ augmented TBARS release and resulted in 95% macrophage death. Pyruvate improved macrophage viability with 5 &#119 M Cu 2+ up to 60%. l -Ascorbic acid ( &#83 100 &#119 M) protected macrophages up to 80%. When &#83 100 &#119 M l -ascorbic acid was combined with pyruvate, oxLDL formation and macrophage death were fully prevented. Thus, &#102 -keto-carboxylates, but not physiological &#102 -hydroxy-carboxylates or aliphatic mono-carboxylates qualify as antioxidants in LDL systems. Since &#102 -keto-carboxylates enhanced the antioxidant power of l -ascorbic acid, our findings may have implications for strategies attenuating atherosclerosis.     

Inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout mouse macrophages disclose prooxidant effect of interferon-gamma on low-density lipoprotein oxidation.

To test our hypothesis that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) has a direct prooxidant effect on macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation behind its antioxidant effect via induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), we incubated LDL with wild-type (iNOS(+/+)) or iNOS knockout mouse (iNOS(-/-)) macrophages preincubated with IFN-gamma or IFN-gamma plus lipopolysaccharide (IFN-gamma/LPS) for 24 h. LDL oxidation was measured in terms of formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and electrophoretic mobility. Thiol production, nitrite production, and superoxide production from macrophages were measured by using Ellman's assay, the Griess reagent, and the SOD-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction method, respectively. IFN-gamma alone or combined with LPS induced iNOS expression and increased nitrite production in iNOS(+/+) macrophages, but not in iNOS(-/-) macrophages. TBARS formation from LDL was suppressed in IFN-gamma- and IFN-gamma/LPS-treated iNOS(+/+) macrophages but was increased in IFN-gamma-treated iNOS(-/-) macrophages. In the presence of N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA), a NOS inhibitor, the suppressive effect of IFN-gamma and IFN-gamma/LPS was abolished and TBARS formation was even increased to a level above that of untreated iNOS(+/+) macrophage. NOC 18, an NO donor, dose dependently inhibited macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation. IFN-gamma increased superoxide and thiol productions in both types of macrophages. We conclude that IFN-gamma promotes macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation by stimulating superoxide and thiol production under conditions where iNOS-catalyzed NO release is restricted.     

Effects of some flavonoids on the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to oxidative modification

The effects of six flavonoids viz., apigenin, genistein, morin, naringin, pelargonidin and quercetin on the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidative modification were investigated. Flavonoids were added to plasma and incubated for 3 hr at 37 degrees C, and the LDL fraction was separated by ultracentrifugation. Oxidizability of LDL was estimated by measuring conjugated diene (CD), lipid peroxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), after cupric sulfate solution was added. Quercetin and morin significantly (P<0.01 by ANOVA) prolonged the lag time before initiation of oxidation reaction in dose-dependent manner. They also suppressed the formation of lipid peroxides and TBARS more markedly than other flavonoids. The ability to prolong lag time and suppression of lipid peroxides and TBARS formation was in the following order: quercetin >morin >pelargonidin >genistein >naringin >apigenin. LDL exposed to flavonoids reduced oxidizability. These findings suggest that flavonoids may have a role in ameliorating atherosclerosis.     

The influence of medium components on Cu(2+)-dependent oxidation of low-density lipoproteins and its sensitivity to superoxide dismutase.

The extent of in vitro Cu(2+)-dependent oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) has been reported to vary widely depending upon reaction conditions. In this study, the effect of proteins and amino acids on Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation was examined. Treatment of LDL with 5 microM CuSO4 for 18 h in either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Ham's F-10 medium resulted in extensive oxidation as determined by the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and by increased lipoprotein electronegativity. In PBS, oxidation was entirely blocked by histidine and the tripeptide, gly-his-lys (GHK). Oxidation was also prevented by bovine serum albumin, but superoxide dismutase (SOD) provided only 20% protection. Both proteins bound similar amounts of Cu2+, but albumin appeared to be a more effective peroxyl radical trap as evidenced by its ability to prevent LDL oxidation induced by 2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride). In F-10 medium, SOD had marked inhibitory effects, in contrast to PBS. The addition of disulfides to PBS markedly enhanced the ability of SOD to inhibit oxidation. These results indicate that medium components which affect Cu2+ availability influence LDL oxidation and suggest that albumin is ideally suited as a plasma antioxidant to prevent oxidative modification of LDL. Furthermore, in certain instances, the inhibitory effects of SOD may be attributable to effects such as Cu2+ binding rather than dismutation of superoxide.     

Effects of flavonoids on the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein to oxidative modification

Dietary flavonoid intake has been reported to be inversely associated with the incidence of coronary artery disease. To clarify the possible role of flavonoids in the prevention of atherosclerosis, we investigated the effects of some of these compounds on the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidative modification. In this study, six flavonoids, "apigenin, genistein, morin, naringin, pelargonidin and quercetin", were added to plasma and incubated for 3h at 37 degrees C. Then, the LDL fraction was separated by ultracentrifugation. The oxidizability of LDL was estimated by measuring conjugated diene (CD), lipid peroxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) after cupric sulfate solution was added. We showed that among flavonoids used, quercetin and morin significantly (P<0.01 by ANOVA) and dose-dependently prolonged the lag time before initiation of oxidation reaction. Also, these two flavonoids suppressed the formation of lipid peroxides and TBARS more markedly than others. Their ability to prolong lag time and suppression of lipid peroxides and TBARS formation resulted to be in the following order: quercetin>morin>pelargonidin>genistein>naringin>apigenin. LDL exposed to flavonoids in vitro reduced oxidizability. These findings show that flavonoids may have a role in ameliorating atherosclerosis.     

Induction of interleukin 1 beta expression from human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages by 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid.

Oxidatively modified low density lipoproteins (LDL) have recently been proposed to play a role in atherogenesis by promoting foam cell formation and endothelial cell toxicity. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether modified LDL could also induce macrophage release of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), a cytokine which enhances vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, another feature of the atherosclerotic process. LDL were oxidatively modified by incubation with either Cu2+ (Cu(2+)-LDL) or human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (M-LDL). Incubation of these modified LDL with macrophages (6 x 10(6) cells/culture) resulted in a dose-dependent induction of IL-1 beta release. At 300 micrograms protein/ml, Cu(2+)-LDL and M-LDL induced 422 and 333 pg of IL-1 beta/culture, respectively. Saponified Cu(2+)-LDL and M-LDL were shown to contain 9- and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE), lipid oxidation products of linoleate. When tested for activity in macrophage culture (3 x 10(6) cells/culture), it was found that 9-HODE and 13-HODE (final concentration 33 microM) induced the release of 122 and 43 pg of IL-1 beta/culture, respectively, whereas untreated cells released only 4 pg of IL-1 beta/culture. Incubation of macrophages with cholesteryl-9-HODE also induced IL-1 beta release; however, the degree of induction of IL-1 beta release by 9-HODE or its cholesteryl ester relative to modified LDL suggests that other components in oxidized LDL may also contribute to IL-1 beta induction. 9-HODE was rapidly taken up by macrophages, and the kinetics were similar to IL-1 beta release. A 1.5- to 6-fold increase in the level of IL-1 beta mRNA was detected as little as 3-h post-9-HODE treatment. The induction of IL-1 beta release from human monocyte-derived macrophages by 9-HODE and cholesteryl-9-HODE suggests a role for modified LDL, and its associated linoleate oxidation products, in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.     

Lipid peroxide and transition metals are required for the toxicity of oxidized low density lipoprotein to cultured endothelial cells

The toxicity of oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) to cultured vascular endothelial cells was investigated. The modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by copper led to the production of thiobarbituric acid-reacting substance (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO). TBARS was distributed not only in lipoprotein, but also in the aqueous phase, whereas LPO was observed only in the lipoprotein particle. During the incubation of LDL with copper, the copper bound to lipoprotein and formed a complex. The toxicity of products resulting from the oxidation of LDL to endothelial cells was recognized in Ox-LDL particles, not in the aqueous phase. Following dialysis of Ox-LDL against EDTA, copper which had bound to the Ox-LDL particle was released and the toxicity of Ox-LDL disappeared. The addition of copper to the dialyzed Ox-LDL restored the cytotoxicity. To a lesser extent this effect was also observed with the addition of iron. A study of the time-course of LDL oxidation showed that the toxicity of Ox-LDL depends upon the level of LPO, not upon the content of TBARS, the extent of negative charge or the protein adduct of aldehydes. These results demonstrate that transition metal is required for Ox-LDL toxicity and that the toxic moiety of the products resulting from LDL oxidation is LPO associated with the Ox-LDL particle.     

氧化修饰低密度脂蛋白与动脉粥样硬化

动脉粥样硬化的发生发展与低密度脂蛋白受到氧化修饰有关。本文从以下四个方面对本室的工作进行了综述：（１）动脉粥样硬化机体受到脂质过氧化损伤;（２）Ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ对内皮细胞、平滑肌细胞和巨噬细胞的毒性效应;（３）Ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ和ＭＤＡ－ＬＤＬ的比较及与Ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ和ＭＤＡ－ＬＤＬ结合的清道夫受体的特征;（４）不同方法对ＬＤＬ氧化修饰的比较和以ＬＤＬ氧化修饰为模型对某些物质的抗氧化修饰研究。研究结果为动脉粥     

beta-Carotene inhibits the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein

Several lines of evidence indicate that oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) may promote atherogenesis. Hence, the role of antioxidants in the prevention of LDL oxidation needs to be determined. beta-Carotene, in addition to being an efficient quencher of singlet oxygen, can also function as a radical-trapping antioxidant. Since previous studies have failed to show that beta-carotene inhibits LDL oxidation, we re-examined its effect on the oxidative modification of LDL. For these studies, LDL was oxidized in both a cell-free (2.5 microM Cu2+ in PBS) and a cellular system (human monocyte macrophages in Ham's F-10 medium). beta-Carotene inhibited the oxidative modification of LDL in both systems as evidenced by a decrease in the lipid peroxide content (thiobarbituric-acid-reacting substances activity), the negative charge of LDL (electrophoretic mobility) and the formation of conjugated dienes. By inhibiting LDL oxidation, beta-carotene substantially decreased its degradation by macrophages. beta-Carotene (2 microM) was more potent than alpha-tocopherol (40 microM) in inhibiting LDL oxidation. Thus, beta-carotene, like ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol, inhibits LDL oxidation and might have an important role in the prevention of atherosclerosis.     

Inhibition of human low density lipoprotein oxidation by flavonols and their glycosides

Antioxidative effects of the flavonols and their glycosides, i.e., quercetin (Q), quercetin galactopyranoside (QG), quercetin rhamnolpyranoside (QR), rutin (R), morin (MO), myrecetin (MY), kaempferol (K) and kaempferol glucoside (KG), against free radical initiated peroxidation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) were studied. The peroxidation was initiated either by a water-soluble initiator 2,2'-azobis(2-amidino propane hydrochloride) (AAPH), or by cupric ion (Cu2+). The reaction kinetics were monitored either by the uptake of oxygen and the depletion of alpha-tocopherol (TOH) presented in the native LDL, or by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Kinetic analysis of the antioxidation process demonstrates that these flavonols and their glycosides are effective antioxidants against AAPH- and Cu(2+)-initiated LDL peroxidation, the flavonols bearing ortho-dihydroxyl groups possess significantly higher antioxidant activity than those bearing no such functionalities, and the glycosides are less active than their parent aglycones.     

Role of oxidized human plasma low density lipoproteins in atherosclerosis: effects on smooth muscle cell proliferation

The effects of oxidized human plasma low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) on the proliferation of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells was studied, employing viable cell counting, [³H] thymidine incorporation into DNA, and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the medium. Oxidized LDL (prepared by incubation of LDL with copper sulfate) exerted a concentration-dependent stimulation (2 fold, compared to control) of aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation at low concentrations (0.1 µg – 10 µg/ml medium). On the other hand, at high concentrations (25–200 µg/ml), Ox-LDL produced a pronounced decrease in viable cells, a decrease in the incorporation of [³H] thymidine into DNA, and an increase in the release of LDH in the medium. In this report, the previously postulated biological roles of oxidized-LDL in atherosclerosis are discussed in view of these findings.Abbreviations Ox-LDL Oxidized human plasma Low Density Lipoproteins - SMC Smooth Muscle Cells - LDH Lactate Dehydrogenase - LPC Lysophosphatidycholine - PC Phosphatidylcholine - TNF Tumor Necrosis Factor     

Inhibitory effects of multi-substituted benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-diones on LDL oxidation

Multi-substituted benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-diones 3a-h were synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation of di- or tri-substituted 4-hydroxybenzaldehydes [or 1-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanone] 1 with thiazolidine-2,4-dione (2) and evaluated for antioxidant activities of Cu(2+)-induced oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Among compounds 3a-h, 3a was superior to probucol in LDL-antioxidant activities and found to be ninefold more active than probucol. Due to its potency, compound 3a was tested for complementary in vitro investigations, such as TBARS assay (IC(50) = 0.1 microM), lag time (240 min at 1.5 microM), relative electrophoretic mobility (REM) of ox-LDL (inhibition of 83% at 10 microM), fragmentation of apoB-100 (inhibition of 61% at 5 microM), and radical DPPH scavenging activity on copper-mediated LDL oxidation. In macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation, the TBARS formation was also inhibited by compound 3a.     

Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity of probucol in low density lipoproteins in vitro: probucol degradation precedes lipoprotein oxidation

The ability of probucol, a lipid-lowering drug with antioxidant properties, to prevent the Cu2+-induced oxidation of human plasma low density lipoproteins (LDL) was examined as a function of the concentration of probucol in LDL. In the absence of probucol, 3 microM Cu2+ induced half-maximal LDL lipid oxidation, as determined by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Oxidation was associated with a loss of apolipoprotein B-100 and the appearance of higher molecular weight forms of the protein. In the presence of 0.6 mol% probucol (relative to phospholipid) and with 3 microM Cu2+, the time required to obtain half-maximal LDL lipid oxidation increased from 130 to 270 min and was explained by an increase in the lag time prior to LDL lipid oxidation. Once rapid oxidation of LDL had begun, the rate of TBARS formation was similar to that for LDL containing no probucol. At a probucol concentration of 4.2 mol%, the antioxidant prevented the oxidation of LDL-lipids. The delay in Cu2+-induced LDL oxidation with probucol corresponded to the time required for free radical-mediated processes to convert probucol to a spiroquinone and a diphenoquinone. These in vitro findings suggest that the potent antioxidant property of probucol is directly related to the amount of drug in the LDL particle and may have relevance to its antiatherosclerotic effects observed in vivo.     

Differences in the metabolism of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein and acetylated low density lipoprotein by human endothelial cells: inhibition of cholesterol esterification by oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein

The rate of degradation of oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) by human endothelial cells was similar to that of unmodified low density lipoprotein (LDL), and was approximately 2-fold greater than the rate of degradation of acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL). While LDL and Ac-LDL both stimulated cholesterol esterification in endothelial cells, Ox-LDL inhibited cholesterol esterification by 34%, demonstrating a dissociation between the degradation of Ox-LDL and its ability to stimulate cholesterol esterification. Further, while LDL and Ac-LDL resulted in a 5- and 15-fold increase in cholesteryl ester accumulation, respectively, Ox-LDL caused only a 1.3-fold increase in cholesteryl ester mass. These differences could be accounted for, in part, by the reduced cholesteryl ester content of Ox-LDL. However, when endothelial cells were incubated with Ac-LDL in the presence and absence of Ox-LDL, Ox-LDL led to a dose-dependent inhibition of cholesterol esterification without affecting the degradation of Ac-LDL. This inhibitory effect of Ox-LDL on cholesteryl ester synthesis was also manifest in normal human skin fibroblasts incubated with LDL and in LDL-receptor-negative fibroblasts incubated with unesterified cholesterol to stimulate cholesterol esterification. Further, the lipid extract from Ox-LDL inhibited cholesterol esterification in LDL-receptor negative fibroblasts. These findings suggest that the inhibition of cholesterol esterification by oxidized LDL is independent of the LDL and scavenger receptors and may be a result of translocation of a lipid component of oxidatively modified LDL across the cell membrane.     

Panax quinquefolium saponins protects low density lipoproteins from oxidation

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) are extracted from the stems and leaves of the North American form of ginseng, Panax quinquefolium. Earlier studies have suggested that this extract improves the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic rats and has antioxidant properties in cultured rat cardiac myocytes. The aims of the present study were to investigate the potential of PQS in reducing LDL oxidation as well as limiting the ability of Ox-LDL to impair endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat aortic rings. LDL was isolated from the plasma of healthy human donors by sequential ultracentrifugation. Native LDL (0.2 or 0.3 mg/ml) was incubated with PQS (0.25-1 mg/ml) for 30 min at 20 degrees C. For comparison, vitamin C (50 microM) was added in place of PQS. Oxidative modification was initiated with 5 microM CuSO4 at 37 degrees C for 0-24 h. In our hands, PQS concentration-dependently reduced lipid peroxide levels as measured by the amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formed. This range of PQS also retarded the alterations in relative electrophoretic mobility of Ox-LDL in a similar manner. Furthermore, measurement of phospholipid fractions content indicated that PQS could reduce the conversion of phosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidylcholine in Ox-LDL. Functional studies demonstrated that PQS-pretreated Ox-LDL was less potent than untreated Ox-LDL at impairing endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat aortic rings. In conclusion, our results suggest that PQS has antioxidant properties and that reduction of LDL oxidation by PQS may provide a protective effect against the detrimental actions of Ox-LDL.     

Involvement of intracellular iron in the toxicity of oxidized low density lipoprotein to cultured endothelial cells

We evaluated the role of iron in the toxicity of oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) to cultured vascular endothelial cells. Exposure of the endothelial cells to Ox-LDL led to cell lysis as judged by the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the medium. The presence of deferoxamine, an iron chelator, in the reaction medium containing Ox-LDL prevented the lysis of cells by Ox-LDL. Pretreatment of the cells with deferoxamine also reduced their susceptibility to the cytotoxicity of Ox-LDL. The formation of thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS) was observed in the cells exposed to Ox-LDL. Pretreatment of cells with deferoxamine reduced the formation of TBARS which was induced by Ox-LDL. These observations suggest that the toxicity of Ox-LDL to cultured endothelial cells involves the lipid peroxidation of cellular membrane catalyzed by iron derived from the target (endothelial) cells.     

Resveratrol inhibits copper ion-induced and azo compound-initiated oxidative modification of human low density lipoprotein.

To investigate whether resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound in red wine, affects the oxidation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL), LDL purified from normolipidemic subjects was subjected to Cu(2+)-induce and azo compound-initiated oxidative modification, with and without the addition of varying concentrations of resveratrol. Modification of LDL was assessed by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and changes in the relative electrophoretic mobility (REM) of LDL on agarose gels. Resveratrol (50 microM) reduced TBARS and REM of LDL during Cu(2+)-induced oxidation by 70.5% and 42.3%, respectively (p < 0.01), and prolonged the lag phase associated with the oxidative modification of LDL by copper ion or azo compound. These in vitro results suggest that resveratrol may afford protection of LDL against oxidative damage resulting from exposure to various environmental challenges, possibly by acting as a free radical scavenger.