Low-copper diets increase aortic lipid peroxides in rats.

Dietary factors other than fat and cholesterol may contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. One hypothesis states that low dietary copper contributes to risk. In a recent study, rats fed diets marginal or deficient in copper had reduced aortic copper-dependent superoxide dismutase activity, increased generation of aortic lipid peroxides, and reduced aortic prostaglandin production. These vascular changes may contribute to atherogenesis.