Cor Vasa 2004, 45(12):587-594
Antioxidants and atherosclerosis
- Laboratoř pro výzkum aterosklerózy, Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny a Centrum experimentálního výzkumu chorob srdce a cév, Praha, Česká republika
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease. Although the process of atherosclerosis involves mostly the entry of LDL-particles into the vessel wall, their oxidation and plaque formation, atherosclerosis-related complications characterized by stenoses, plaque rupture, thrombotization or calcifications are no less important. A major role in these partial processes may be played by antioxidant vitamins, that is, by vitamin E (alfa-tocopherol), vitamin C and beta-carotene. Current concepts seem to suggest the action of antioxidant vitamins in the process of atherosclerosis-and car-diovascular disease in particular-largely depends on the source of vitamins. While hard evidence of a beneficial effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation is not available, an effect of dietary intake has been demonstrated. Selection of appropriate dietary intervention, involving primarily increased intake of fruits and vegetables as the most readily available source of antioxidants, is an effective way to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Keywords: Atherosclerosis; Antioxidants; Vitamins; Supplementation; Diet
Published: December 1, 2004 Show citation