Phenolic acids protect low density lipoproteins from peroxynitrite-mediated modification in vitro.

The role of reactive nitrogen species, such as peroxynitrite, in atherogenesis and the protective effect of dietary phenolic compounds are not yet understood. In this study, we sought firstly to determine whether phenolic acids become nitrated by peroxynitrite and then whether phenolic acid nitration can prevent consumption of gamma-tocopherol and thus enhance the resistance of LDL to oxidation by peroxynitrite. Coumaric acid was found to be readily nitrated by peroxynitrite and it also demonstrated a protective effect on y-tocopherol. Of greater significance was its potent inhibition of lipid peroxidation which was equal to that of caffeic acid.