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Figure 1 LDL Peroxidation Catalyzed by Iron

The Haber-Weiss reaction and Fenton chemistry use iron in generating free radicals that oxidize low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Microhemorrhage into atherosclerotic plaque with macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and degradation of aged red blood cells leads to accumulation of redox-active iron. Oxidized LDL binds the macrophage scavenger-receptor, leading to unregulated uptake, foam cell formation, and accelerated atherogenesis.