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Abstract |
Iron, LDL Peroxidation and Atherosclerosis: A Cause - Effect Process? |
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Genetic hemochromatosis is a recessive disease characterized by increased iron absorption leading to augmented body iron stores. A mutation in a gene named HFE has been detected in most hemochromatotic patients, but its function remains to be defïned. Moreover, iron seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of low density lipoprotein (LDL) peroxidation, as suggested by several studies. The aim of this review was to evaluate the mechanisms involved in atherogenesis and the pathogenetic role of iron, as identified both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we evaluated the population studies which analyzed iron parameters as possible risk factors for coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. Lastly, we considered data on the prevalence of HFE mutations in subjects with or without atherosclerosis, and their possible correlation with progression of the disease. |
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