Formation of oxysterols during oxidation of low density lipoprotein by peroxynitrite, myoglobin, and copper.

Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the artery wall leads to the formation of cholesterol oxidation products that may result in cytotoxicity. Different mechanisms could contribute to LDL oxidation in vivo resulting in characteristic and specific modification of the cholesterol molecule. Alternatively, attack on cholesterol by chain propagating peroxyl radicals could result in the same distribution of oxidation products irrespective of the initial pro-oxidant mechanism. To distinguish between these possibilities we have monitored the formation of nine oxysterols during LDL oxidation, promoted by copper, myoglobin, peroxynitrite, or azo bis amidino propane. Regardless of the oxidant used, the pattern of oxysterol formation was essentially the same. The yields of products identified decreased in the order 7-oxocholesterol > 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol > 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol > 5,6 beta-epoxycholesterol > 5,6 alpha-epoxycholesterol except in the case of peroxynitrite in which case a higher yield of 5, 6 beta-epoxycholesterol relative to 7-oxocholesterol was found. No formation of cholestane 3 beta, 5 alpha, 6 beta-triol, or the 24-,25-,27-hydroxycholesterols was seen. Concentration of 7-oxocholesterol levels in LDL was positively correlated with the degree of protein modification. Endogenous alpha-tocopherol in LDL or supplementation with butylated hydroxytoluene prevented oxysterol formation. Taken together these data indicate that the oxidation of cholesterol and protein in LDL occur as secondary oxidation events consequent on the attack of fatty acid peroxyl/alkoxyl radicals on the 7-position of cholesterol, and with amino acids on apoB. Furthermore, oxidant processes with atherogenic potential, such as peroxynitrite, copper, and myoglobin are capable of producing oxidized LDL containing cytotoxic mediators.