['Lipid peroxidation is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Fatty acid peroxidation products such as hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids and F(2)-isoprostanes have been found in advanced human atherosclerotic plaques. However, little is known about the formation of these products during lesion development.', 'This study examined stable biomarkers of lipid oxidative damage in relation to atherosclerotic disease progression in apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe(-/-)) mice and retardation of the disease by red wine polyphenols.', 'One hundred male Apoe(-/-) mice and 50 male control (C57BL/6J) mice were given a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet for 20 wk. To examine the effect of the polyphenolic compounds on lesion development, 50 of the Apoe(-/-) mice were also given dealcoholized red wine for the duration of the study.', 'Aortic lipid deposition was significantly greater in the Apoe(-/-) mice than in the control mice (P < 0.01). Plasma and aortic F(2)-isoprostanes did not differ between the treatment groups. Plasma concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, which has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, were significantly higher in the Apoe(-/-) mice than in the control mice up to 16 wk (P < 0.05). Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid concentrations increased significantly over time in all groups (P < 0.05). Red wine polyphenols had no effect on markers of lipid peroxidation or monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 concentrations, but lipid deposition in the aorta at age 26 wk was significantly less in the mice given red wine than in those not given red wine.'] Do red wine polyphenolic compounds inhibit atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice independently of effects on lipid peroxidation?