Increased Superoxide Anion Production by Platelets in Hypercholesterolemic Patients

Abstract

LDL cholesterol increases platelet O2- production by activating PLA2 and NADH/NADPH enzymes. Inhibition of platelet O2- release by atorvastatin is partially related to cholesterol lowering effect, suggesting that other mechanisms could be responsible for the antioxidant activity of the drug.