Aim To investigate the effect of apoptotic celiac macrophages of the mouse induced by oxidized very low density lipoprotein (ox-VLDL). Methods Human blood plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) was oxidized by CuCl2 in order to obtain ox-VLDL. DNA gel electrophoresis was used to observe the DNA ladder pattern of apoptotic macrophages. Flow cytometry and diphenylamine method were used to determine apoptotic macrophage percentage and DNA fragmentation percentage. The morphological changes of apoptotic macrophages were detected by microscope. Results ①ox-VLDL could induce macrophages apoptosis. ②Dimethylol thiourea, an antioxidative agent, could inhibit in part DNA breakage induced by ox-VLDL. ③Pyrrolidine dithio carbamate, an inhibitor of the activity of nuclear factor-κB, could inhibit completely DNA breakage induced by ox-VLDL. Conclusion Macrophages apoptosis induced by ox-VLDL may lead to one of mechanisms of atherosclerosis, and is in relation to free radicals and NF-κB activation.