Essential components of lipoproteins and cell membranes which are composed of fatty acids bound to a glycerol backbone.
Susceptible to free-radical or enzymatic oxidation by myeloperoxidase, lopxygenase and other enzymes present in blood vessel walls.
Oxidized phospholipids accumulate during oxidative stress with viral infections, rheumatoid arthritis, atheroslerosis, apoptosis and in necrotic cells.
Oxidized phospholipids interact with receptors that mediate atherogenesis.
Oxidized phospholipids contain reactive groups that bind covalently to proteins forming lipid -protein adducts that become dysfunctional and contribute to atheroslerosis.