THE PREVENTION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS WITH ANTIOXIDANTS

Recent research findings have suggested a role for pharmacologic as well as nutritional antioxidants in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Data from animal studies as well as cell culture experiments have shown that the drug probucol, which has hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant properties, is able to prevent oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins (LDL). Such modification is now believed to play a major part in the initiation and progression of arterial lesions. Nutrients with antioxidant properties such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and monounsaturated fatty acids (when they replace polyunsaturated fatty acids) can reduce the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. Antioxidant therapy, if proven useful, should be considered an adjunct to lipid-lowering therapy in order to have the greatest impact on coronary heart disease.