Role of ascorbic acid on in vitro oxidation of low-density lipoprotein derived from hypercholesterolemic patients

BackgroundThe susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation is thought to be a crucial factor responsible for atherogenesis. There is substantial evidence for a role of dietary antioxidants in the prevention of atherogenesis and the protective effect of antioxidant nutrients may be mediated through inhibition of the oxidative modification of LDL.MethodsWe performed in vitro oxidation of LDL derived from normal and hypercholesterolemic individuals in absence and presence of different doses of ascorbic acid.Results:The serum lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased in hypercholesterolemic patients and their LDL has shown a greater propensity towards in vitro oxidation. Hypercholesterolemic LDL required a higher amount of ascorbic acid to reduce its oxidation level as compared to LDL isolated from normocholesterolemic individuals.ConclusionThis observation may be of importance in designing future studies of antioxidant supplementation in patients with hypercholesterolemia which is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis.