title: Human neutrophils oxidize low-density lipoprotein by a hypochlorous acid-dependent mechanism: the role of vitamin C.
abstract: Oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Peripheral blood leukocytes, such as neutrophils, can oxidize LDL by processes requiring superoxide and redox-active transition metal ions; however, it is uncertain whether such catalytic metal ions are available in the artery wall. Stimulated leukocytes also produce the reactive oxidant hypochlorous acid (HOCl) via the heme enzyme myeloperoxidase. Since myeloperoxidase-derived HOCl may be a physiologically relevant oxidant in atherogenesis, we investigated the mechanisms of neutrophil-mediated LDL modification and its possible prevention by the antioxidant ascorbate (vitamin C). As a sensitive marker of LDL oxidation, we measured LDL thiol groups. Stimulated human neutrophils (5x10(6) cells/ml) incubated with human LDL (0.25 mg protein/ml) time-dependently oxidized LDL thiols (33% and 79% oxidized after 10 and 30 min, respectively). Supernatants from stimulated neutrophils also oxidized LDL thiols (33% oxidized after 30 min), implicating long-lived oxidants such as N-chloramines. Experiments using specific enzyme inhibitors and oxidant scavengers showed that HOCl, but not hydrogen peroxide nor superoxide, plays a critical role in LDL thiol oxidation by neutrophils. Ascorbate (200 microM) protected against neutrophil-mediated LDL thiol oxidation for up to 15 min of incubation, after which LDL thiols became rapidly oxidized. Although stimulated neutrophils accumulated ascorbate during oxidation of LDL, pre-loading of neutrophils with ascorbate did not attenuate oxidant production by the cells. Thus, activated neutrophils oxidize LDL thiols by HOCl- and N-chloramine-dependent mechanisms and physiological concentrations of vitamin C delay this process, most likely due to scavenging of extracellular oxidants, rather than by attenuating neutrophil oxidant production.
authors.affiliation: Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331-6512, USA.
authors.forename: Anitra C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: Balz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Frei
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006997:Hypochlorous Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007700:Kinetics; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein; D006997:Hypochlorous Acid; D001205:Ascorbic Acid