Abstract
Homocysteine‐thiolactone (HcyT) is a toxic product whose synthesis is directly proportional to plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Previous studies demonstrated that the interaction between HcyT and low density lipoproteins (LDL) induces the formation of homocystamide‐LDL adducts (Hcy‐LDL). Structural and functional alterations of Hcy‐LDL have been described and it has been suggested that homocysteinylation could increase atherogenicity of LDL. Oxidative damage of endothelial cells (EC) is considered to be a critical aspect of the atherosclerotic process. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the atherogenicity of homocysteinylated LDL, we studied the effect of interaction between Hcy‐LDL and EC on cell oxidative damage, using human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) as experimental model. Homocysteinylation of LDL was carried out by incubation of LDL, isolated from plasma of healthy normolipemic subjects, with HcyT (10–100 μM). In our experimental conditions, homocysteinylation treatment was not accompanied by oxidative damage of LDL. No modifications of apoprotein structure and physico‐chemical properties were observed in Hcy‐LDL with respect to control LDL (c‐LDL), as evaluated using the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan and the probe Laurdan incorporated in lipoproteins. Our results demonstrated that Hcy‐LDL incubated at 37°C for 3 h with HAEC, induced an oxidative damage on human EC with a significant increase of lipid hydroperoxides in cells incubated with Hcy‐LDL with respect to cell incubated with c‐LDL. The compositional changes were associated with a significant decrease viability in cells treated with Hcy‐LDL. The relationship between the levels of –SH groups of LDL and the oxidative damage of HAEC has been demonstrated. These results suggest that Hcy‐LDL exert a cytotoxic effect that is likely related to an increase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of EC. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.