Role of oxygen reactive species in atherosclerosis

Abstract

Oxygen reactive species (ORS) attack polyunsaturated fatty acids and produce a peroxidative chain reaction that alters cell membranes of vascular endothelium and oxidize low density lipoproteins. Both processes are involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis due to their effects on platelet adhesion and aggregation, thrombogenicity and cell proliferation. Oxidative stress, understood as an imbalance between ORS production and antioxidative defense, contributes to unleash the atherosclerotic process. This paper reviews the process by which ORS produce lipidic peroxidation and the role of oxidized lipids in the etiology of atherosclerosis.