Low-density lipoprotein oxidation process

The **low-density lipoprotein oxidation process** refers to the oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, primarily by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and various cellular enzymes within the vascular wall. This process is characterized by initial oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the phospholipid component of LDL, followed by further oxidation of cholesterol esters, unesterified cholesterol, and the protein component apolipoprotein B100[1][7][10]. As LDL becomes oxidized (producing oxLDL), it is more avidly taken up by macrophage scavenger receptors (such as CD36 and SR-A), leading to the formation of lipid-laden foam cells—a hallmark of early atherosclerotic lesions[7][8]. Oxidized LDL also contributes to endothelial dysfunction, monocyte chemotaxis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and plaque instability[7][9]. The process can be induced by cellular oxidants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, hypochlorous acid), transition metals, and oxidizing enzymes (such as myeloperoxidase, lipoxygenase, and hemoglobin-derived iron)[2][4][5][6]. The local oxidation of LDL within the arterial wall and even within lysosomes of macrophages is implicated as a key step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis[8][9]. Although lowering LDL oxidation is a key therapeutic goal in cardiovascular disease, the "oxidation process" itself is not a drug target but a pathophysiological mechanism[7]. **Note:** - This entry describes a *biological process*, not a discrete molecular entity or canonical drug target. There is nothing to abbreviate, it is not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or similar target, and therefore “is_target: false” and “is_incorrect: true” as per your guidelines. - Drugs such as antioxidants and statins may have indirect effects on LDL oxidation, but no approved drugs act specifically on the oxidation process as a molecular target. - “Oxidized LDL” (oxLDL) is often measured as a biomarker in cardiovascular disease research[3][7].

Other names

LDL oxidationLDL particle oxidationOxidation of low-density lipoprotein