Natural Antioxidants for the Prevention of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, hypertension, and obesity are known contributing risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). However, they account for only half of all cases of CAD, and the complete pathologic process underlying atherosclerosis remains unknown. Growing evidence suggests that oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may be of particular importance in the pathogenesis. Oxidized LDL exhibits proatherogenic effects. Therefore, current research has focused on inhibiting the oxidation of LDL as a means of inhibiting the atherosclerotic process. One such approach is to enhance the endogenous antioxidant defense systems within the LDL particle with lipophilic antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene, or by supplementing the aqueous-phase antioxidant capacity with ascorbic acid. Observational data suggest a protective effect of antioxidant supplementation on the incidence of CAD; however, specific doses cannot be recommended since the data are inconclusive.

Physico-Chemical Alternatives in Lignocellulosic Materials in Relation to the Kind of Component for Fermenting Purposes

“…Some of them are based on their antioxidant activity against reactive species involved in aging and in chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory, coronary, and degenerative diseases [84,85,86,87]. Their antioxidant properties may explain a part of the potential cancer chemopreventive properties [88], although the antioxidant activity alone is not sufficient to explain their whole set of biological properties [89,90,91,92].…”

Recovery, concentration and purification of phenolic compounds by adsorption: A review

“…Their role in human healthrelated issues has been acknowledged, fostering an increased demand to produce 'functional' or 'nutraceutical' foods. Some applications proposed for natural polyphenolic compounds are based on their antioxidant activity against reactive species involved in aging and in chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory, coronary and degenerative diseases (Odeh and Cornish, 1995;Erlund, 2004;German and Walzem, 2000;Seifried et al, 2007). Their antioxidant properties may explain a part of the potential cancer chemopreventive properties (Bonfili et al, 2008), although the antioxidant activity alone is not sufficient to explain their whole set of biological properties (Middleton et al, 2000;Havsteen, 2002;Halliwell, 2009).…”

Vitamin E and Coronary Artery Disease

“…These lipid-laden foam cells are believed to be the primary contributor to atherosclerotic CAD (Figure 1). 10 In addition to its role in foam cell production, oxidized LDL has effects on platelet and endothelial function that further promote cardiovascular events. [9][10][11] The theory that oxidized LDL promotes the development of atherosclerosis has prompted investigations of augmented antioxidant activity.…”

“…10 In addition to its role in foam cell production, oxidized LDL has effects on platelet and endothelial function that further promote cardiovascular events. [9][10][11] The theory that oxidized LDL promotes the development of atherosclerosis has prompted investigations of augmented antioxidant activity. Some believe oxidative damage occurs when the protective antioxidant systems are depleted or when these systems are inadequate to cope with increased levels of oxidative stress.…”

“…23,24 The results from these studies, however, may be unreliable because samples were not stored in suitable environments for vitamin E stability. 10,25 In addition, vitamin E measurements were not adjusted for cholesterol levels, which may result in overestimation of vitamin E levels in patients with elevated cholesterol concentrations. One of the studies was in a Finnish population, and the influence of the Finland factor may overshadow any vitamin E effect.…”