Role of oxidants and antioxidants in atherosclerosis: results of in vitro and in vivo investigations

Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that oxidants are central in the development of atherosclerosis. Consequently, additional studies evaluated the protective effects of various natural and synthetic antioxidants, alone and in combination, with most studies focusing on alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). Here, we summarize the role of oxidants in the pathomechanism of atherosclerosis. We also discuss epidemiological studies and others focused on the protective effect of vitamin E against atherosclerosis. Other antioxidants are also considered if they were included in studies involving vitamin E. The protective effect of antioxidants on atherosclerotic pathomechanisms has been confirmed in vitro, but only in some animal studies. Various epidemiological and observational studies have produced conflicting results on the protective effect of antioxidants. Most studies of primary or secondary prevention failed to show a protective effect. These conflicting results are biased by a number of factors, including differences between the study groups. Therefore, we describe these studies in detail.