Dear Colleagues,

The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases markedly with age and is the largest contributor to morbidity and premature mortality in men and women. Increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and free-radical-mediated oxidative damage of LDL represent a key risk factor and a key step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Indeed, oxidised LDL (oxLDL) plays a crucial role in the development of a chronic, low-grade inflammation state that strongly supports the evolution of CVD. Other mechanisms, including altered redox signalling and antioxidant pathways, may also be involved in the onset and development of these pathological conditions.

Approaches aimed at attenuating the risk of CVD, and which are based on dietary or supplemental antioxidants, have been increasingly investigated regarding the ability of different antioxidants and their combinations to protect LDL from oxidation. Other valuable strategies involve the targeting of altered redox signalling and the expression of antioxidant enzymes.

The research work developed by Professor Omaye and his collaborators has focused on nutraceuticals and their mode of action, particularly on antioxidant vitamins including ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-carotene as protective agents against atherosclerosis and CVD. These vitamins have been shown to protect LDL against oxidative modification both in ex vivo supplementation studies and in vitro loading studies, suggesting that the protective effects against atherosclerosis associated with their intake may be mediated by their antioxidative activities.

This Special Issue dedicated to Professor Stanley Omaye will honour his memory, providing the latest insights into the actual role of antioxidants of dietary origin in the prevention of CVD, emerging from in vitro, animal studies and human trials. Altered redox mechanisms involved in CVD onset also represent a relevant and central topic of interest.

Original research papers, reviews and case studies addressing the topics reported below are herein welcome:

• Studies aiming to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of antioxidants against oxLDL-related CVD;
• Investigations into the ability of dietary antioxidants to counteract oxLDL-induced low-grade inflammation in CVD;
• Epidemiological studies on the protective effects of dietary antioxidants against oxLDL-related CVD;
• Studies on the bioavailability of dietary antioxidants;
• Methodologies to investigate the action of antioxidants in experimental systems simulating LDL oxidation;
• Investigations on redox signalling and altered antioxidant pathways related to CVD onset.

Prof. Dr. Alessandra Napolitano
Dr. Mario Allegra
Guest Editors

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• LDL
• oxidative stress
• antioxidants
• chronic, low-grade inflammation
• vitamins
• antioxidant enzymes
• redox signalling