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The onset of atherosclerotic lesion formation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits is delayed by iron depletion
Author(s) -
Ponraj Durairaj,
Makjanic Jagoda,
Thong Patricia S.P,
Tan Benny K.H,
Watt Frank
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/s0014-5793(99)01199-0
Subject(s) - lesion , artery , radical , pathogenesis , chemistry , medicine , pathology , endocrinology , biochemistry
The theory that iron may play a significant role in atherogenesis by promoting the formation of free radicals is controversial. Previous results using the new technique of nuclear microscopy showed a seven‐fold increase in iron concentrations within newly formed atherosclerotic lesions in hypercholesterolemic rabbits compared to healthy artery tissue. In a follow‐up time sequence study described here, we show that iron accumulation occurs at the onset of lesion formation. In addition, weekly bleeding decreases the iron uptake into the artery wall and delays the onset of atherogenesis. These results provide direct evidence for a key role of iron in initiating atherogenesis.