INTERVENTION STUDIES IN ANIMALS
Studies of antioxidant supplementation in laboratory animals have provided evidence of the importance of oxidized LDL in vivo. Many such studies have been performed, and they generally provide support for the antioxidant hypothesis. For example, in a study in atherosclerotic rabbits, uptake of LDL into foam cells was approx 4 times greater for oxidized LDL than for native LDL. Adding of vitamin E to the system resulted in a 30 - 55% decrease in accumulated radio-labeled LDL in plaques and foam cells. The effects of a diet high in saturated fat with and without fruits and vegetables and antioxidant vitamins (C, E, and
-carotene) on oxidative stress and development of atherosclerosis has also been evaluated in rabbits. Blood lipid peroxide levels decreased significantly in rabbits supplemented with fruits and vegetables or antioxidant vitamins. In contrast, blood lipid peroxide levels increased significantly in the unsupplemented groups and precipitated coronary thrombosis.
