The Effect of α-Tocopherol on Copper Binding to Low Density Lipoprotein

Abstract

The oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) may play an important role in atherogenesis. Antioxidants that can prevent LDL oxidation may act as antiatherogens. Our understanding of the mechanism of LDL oxidation and factors that determine its susceptibility to oxidation is still incomplete. Copper is a candidate for oxidizing LDL in atherosclerotic lesions. The binding of copper ions to LDL is usually thought to be a prerequisite for LDL oxidation by copper. Therefore we investigated the effect of α-tocopherol (as a major fat soluble antioxidant) on copper bound to LDL and furthermore effect of this binding on the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative modification.