CoA Protects VLDL Against Peroxidation and Increases the Plasma Triacylglycerol Metabolism

CoA (coenzyme A) has an antiperoxidative action and protects erythrocytes against oxygen free radicals. The peroxidation favours the uptake of the modified LDL (low-density lipoprotein) by macrophages and has a role in the development of foam cells. A possible relation between the antiperoxidative action of CoA and its normalizing activity on plasma lipids in type IIb and type IV hyperlipoproteinaemias, was investigated in order to see whether CoA protects VLDL (very -low-density lipoproteins) against peroxidation and produces a quicker removal of VLDL from circulation when administered intravenously to rats. The addition of 5 mM CoA to rat hepatocytes in culture was found to produce a significant decrease in VLDL secretion. The plasma clearance was significantly more rapid and the removal of triacylglycerols was significantly enhanced in CoA-treated rats as compared to untreated ones. Furthermore CoA reduced the formation of material reacting with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) in human VLDL peroxidized by exposure to Cu2+. Our study shows that CoA protects VLDL from peroxidation in a significant and concentration-dependent manner and increases plasma triacylglycerol metabolism.