Role of biologically modified low-density lipoprotein in atherosclerosis.

It has been proposed that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may become very atherogenic if it undergoes a cell-mediated oxidative modification within the arterial wall. Recently, several lines of evidence have been reported that indicate that such oxidative reactions occur in vivo and that oxidized LDL accumulates in lesions. In addition, it has been shown that treatment of spontaneously atherosclerotic Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits with probucol, a very potent antioxidant, inhibits formation or progression of early lesions, suggesting a pathogenic role for oxidized LDL in atherogenesis.