Modification of apoprotein

LOX-catalyzed oxidation of LDL has been studied in subsequent studies [26,27]. Belkner et al. [27] showed that LOX-catalyzed LDL oxidation was not restricted to the oxidation of lipids but also resulted in the cooxidative modification of apoproteins. It is known that LOX-catalyzed LDL oxidation is regio- and enantio-specific as opposed to free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation. In accord with this proposal Yamashita et al. [28] showed that LDL oxidation by 15-LOX from rabbit reticulocytes formed hydroperoxides of phosphatidylcholine and cholesteryl esters regio-, stereo-, and enantio-specifically. Sigari et al. [29] demonstrated that fibroblasts with overexpressed 15-LOX produced bioactive minimally modified LDL, which is probably responsible for LDL atherogenic effect in vivo. Ezaki et al. [30] found that the incubation of LDL with 15-LOX-overexpressed fibroblasts resulted in a sharp increase in the cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide level and a lesser increase in free fatty acid hydroperoxides. 

Chemical modification of apoprotein E in the circulation, so reducing its affinity for the hepatic receptors. Commonly, this is secondary to oxidative damage to unsaturated fatty acids in LDL — hence the role of antioxidants in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (section 7.4.3). High levels of homocysteine (section 11.11.3.3) can also lead to modification of apoprotein E. 

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