Effects of antioxidants against atherosclerosis.

It is generally accepted that the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis. This suggests that the antioxidants which suppress the oxidative modification of LDL should be effective in preventing atherogenesis. This brief article reviews the role and potency of antioxidants against the oxidation of LDL. It is emphasized that the LDL can be oxidized by different oxidants by different mechanisms and the efficacy of antioxidants depends on the type of oxidants.