Increased levels of autoantibodies to cardiolipin and oxidised low density lipoprotein are inversely associated with plasma vitamin C status in cigarette smokers

Atherosclerosis. 1996 Jul;124(1):75-81. doi: 10.1016/0021-9150(96)05820-0.

Abstract

In this study we have measured circulating levels of autoantibodies to cardiolipin and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and correlated these with plasma concentrations of the anti-oxidant nutrients vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, in a group (79) of asymptomatic, male cigarette smokers and in non-smoking control subjects. Cigarette smoking, a well-known risk factor for development of atherosclerosis, was found to be associated with moderately elevated levels of autoantibodies to both cardiolipin and ox-LDL. Increased levels of these autoantibodies were most evident in the older smokers (> 30 years) and were significantly and inversely correlated with plasma vitamin C, but not with vitamin E or beta-carotene. Absorption studies designed to investigate the specificity of these autoantibodies demonstrated a high degree of cross-reactivity of cardiolipin antibodies with ox-LDL, while antibodies to the oxidatively modified lipoprotein tended to be specific for this antigen. These findings suggest that cigarette smoking promotes formation of autoantibodies to both cardiolipin and ox-LDL and that these may be involved in the initiation and/or perpetuation of atherosclerosis. Dietary intake of vitamin C may be a determinant of susceptibility to development of this cardiovascular disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin / blood*
  • Antioxidants / analysis
  • Ascorbic Acid / blood*
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cotinine / urine
  • Cross Reactions
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / immunology*
  • Male
  • Malondialdehyde / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Smoking / blood*
  • Smoking / immunology
  • Vitamin E / blood
  • beta Carotene / blood

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin
  • Antioxidants
  • Autoantibodies
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein
  • beta Carotene
  • Vitamin E
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Cholesterol
  • Cotinine
  • Ascorbic Acid