Paraoxonase: The boon against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation

Coronary Artery disease (CAD) is estimated to be the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. It is a multifactorial disease and diet plays an important role the development of CAD, and the risk further increases in the presence of dyslipidaemia. The lipoprotein profile is found to be deranged mostly in CAD. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) is considered as the most important risk factor of CAD. However, a significant proportion of patients have a normal lipid profile. The oxidation of LDL is believed to have a central role in atherogenesis. The HDL associated paraoxonase (PON1) enzyme is known to have protective effects on lipid peroxidation. High density cholesterol associated PON which is known to have cardio protective properties have anti-atherogenic role and low PON1 activity could be an independent risk factor. Apart from prevention of oxidation in circulating lipid molecules, it proves to be beneficial in various disorders related to imbalance in oxidants and antioxidants. Serum paraoxonase activity is also affected in cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, smokers and gastrointestinal disorders. The dietary factor which contributes to increase in paraoxonase activity in serum includes consumption of polyphenol-rich diets, wine and fruit juice consumption as it contains polyphenols. Since we have long noted the advances and understanding the physiological benefits of PON based on extensive research. We look forward for further updates in researches based on PONs and wait for the anti-aging capsules of PON being marketed by pharmaceutical companies.