In Vitro Effect of α-Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid and Lycopene on Low Density Lipoprotein Glycation

Nonenzymatic glycation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) is a reaction of glucose and other reducing sugars with apolipoprotein B₁₀₀ (apo-B₁₀₀) lysine residues. In diabetes, this reaction is greatly accelerated and is important in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The objective of this study was to investigate in vitro effects of α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and lycopene on LDL glycation.

LDL was isolated from EDTA-plasma by ultracentrifugation using a single step discontinuous gradient. LDL and glucose were incubated without and with different concentrations of lycopene, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. LDL glycation were estimated by sodium periodate assay.

Based on this study results, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and lycopene decrease LDL glycation in a dose dependent manner. The electrophoretic mobility of glycated LDL decreased in presence these nutrients.

These effects may be due to antioxidant properties of these nutrients and may have a role in ameliorating atherosclerotic risk of patients with diabetes mellitus.