Atherosclerosis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory response in the arterial wall triggered by endothelial injury. Its etiology is associated with the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein. The objective of this work is to present the main metabolites involved in the biochemical process of lipid peroxidation and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the methods used to measure the lipid peroxidation biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis. Lipoprotein oxidation can be assessed by determining the products generated during lipid peroxidation, such as isoprostanes, lipid hydroperoxides, aldehydes, oxidized phospholipids and products of cholesterol oxidation. The susceptibility of low density lipoprotein particles to oxidation can be assessed in vitro after induction of lipid peroxidation by oil-soluble or water-soluble azo initiators or more commonly by copper ions. On the other hand, low density lipoprotein modification by lipoxygenases and peroxidases or non-enzymatic oxidation increases the negative charge of these particles and may contribute to in vivo generation of a minimally oxidized low density lipoprotein subfraction called electronegative low density lipoprotein (low density lipoprotein). Plasma concentrations of these particles can be determined by liquid chromatography or immunoassays. Many methods can be used to assess lipid peroxidation biomarkers in vivo and in vitro, however determination of the most suitable biomarker depends on a minute assessment of the advantages, disadvantages and particularities of each analysis, bearing in mind the objectives of the study that will be performed.
Lipid peroxidation; Lipoprotein, LDL; Atherosclerosis
