In vitro oxidation of LDL by ozone.
Recent studies suggest that ozone is present in atherosclerotic lesions. Since these lesions are characterized by a dramatic accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), we aimed to investigate whether ozone is capable of oxidizing LDL, thereby rendering this lipoprotein atherogenic. Lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) concentrations and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured to assess the oxidative status of the lipid part of LDL. Relative electrophoretic mobility (REM) and oxidation-specific immune epitopes were measured to assess the oxidative status of the protein part (apoB) of the LDL particle. Ozone turned out to be a potent oxidant of LDL. LPO concentrations, TBARS, REM, and oxidation-specific immune epitopes significantly increased upon ozonization. Our results suggest that ozonization of LDL may be a novel pathway which supports atherogenesis. Ozone is capable of oxidizing the lipid part of LDL, followed by immediate oxidation of the protein part of LDL, rendering the lipoprotein atherogenic.
Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Gerd
G
Hörl
Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Gerhard
G
Ledinski
Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Gerd
G
Kager
Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Seth
S
Hallström
Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Erwin
E
Tafeit
Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Martin
M
Koestenberger
Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
Günther
G
Jürgens
Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Austria. Electronic address: gerhard.cvirn@medunigraz.at.
Gerhard
G
Cvirn
D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010126:Ozone / Q000737:chemistry*
D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D010126:Ozone
Atherosclerosis; Lipid hydroperoxides; Low-density lipoprotein; Oxidation-specific immune epitopes; Ozone