ABSTRACT
The cholesterol that accumulates in the atherosclerotic plaque originates from plasma lipoproteins, especially low-density lipoproteins (LDL), because LDL is the main carrier of cholesterol in plasma. Moreover, butylated hydroxytoluene, a common food additive and antioxidant, seems to prevent cholesterol oxidation and atherosclerosis in rabbits. Several studies with probucol, a hypocholesterolemic drug with antioxidant properties, showed that it can reduce atherosclerotic lesions in animals. The earliest macroscopically evident atherosclerotic lesion is the fatty streak, characterized by an accumulation of cells loaded with esterified and free cholesterol in the subendothelial space. These cells are macrophages derived from circulating monocytes that have entered the intima and smooth muscle cells proliferating in the region of the plaque. The internalization of native LDL is mediated by LDL receptor which is downregulated by the intracellular cholesterol; macrophages indeed possess only few B/E receptors.
