Induction of DNA fragmentation in LDL-loaded macrophages after endocytosis of Hp 2-2-glycosylated Hb complexes and the protective effect of vitamin E. DNA fragmentation was examined in control (non-LDL-loaded) (I), LDL-loaded (II), and vitamin E-enriched LDL-loaded (III) THP-1 differentiated cells after different treatments: 1, control (no Hp or Hb treatment); 2, Hb alone; 3, glycosylated Hb alone; 4, Hp 1-1-Hb complex; 5, Hp 2-2-Hb complex; 6, Hp 1-1-glycosylated Hb complex; 7, Hp 2-2-glycosylated Hb complex; 8, Hp 1-1-Hb complex in high glucose medium; 9, Hp 1-1-Hb complex in high glucose medium. M, 1-kb DNA marker. DNA fragmentation was markedly induced in LDL-loaded cells treated with Hp 2-2-glycosylated Hb complexes and significantly attenuated when using cells loaded with vitamin E-enriched-LDL.