Everything about Lipid Peroxidation totally explained
Lipid peroxidation refers to the
oxidative degradation of
lipids. It is the process whereby
free radicals "steal" electrons from the lipids in
cell membranes, resulting in cell damage. This process proceeds by a free radical
chain reaction mechanism. It most often affects
polyunsaturated fatty acids, because they contain multiple double bonds in between which lie
methylene -CH2- groups that possess especially reactive
hydrogens. As with any radical reaction the reaction consists of three major steps: initiation, propagation and termination.
Initiation
Initiation is the step whereby a fatty acid radical is produced. The initiators in living cells are most notably
reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as
OH°, which combines with a hydrogen atom to make water and a fatty acid radical.
Propagation
The fatty acid radical isn't a very stable
molecule, so it reacts readily with molecular oxygen, thereby creating a peroxyl-fatty acid radical. This too is an unstable species that reacts with another free fatty acid producing a different fatty acid radical and a
hydrogen peroxide or a cyclic peroxide if it had reacted with itself. This cycle continues as the new fatty acid radical reacts in the same way.
Termination
When a radical reacts it always produces another radical, which is why the process is called a "chain reaction mechanism." The radical reaction stops when two radicals react and produce a non-radical species. This happens only when the concentration of radical species is high enough for there to be a high probability of two radicals actually colliding. Living organisms have evolved different molecules that speed up termination by catching free radicals and therefore protect the cell membrane. One important such
antioxidant is
alpha-tocopherol, also known as
vitamin E. Other anti-oxidants made within the body include the enzymes
superoxide dismutase,
catalase, and
peroxidase.
Hazards
If not terminated fast enough, there will be damage to the
cell membrane, which consists mainly of lipids.
Phototherapy may case
hemolysis by rupturing
red blood cell cell membranes in this way
In addition, end products of lipid peroxidation may be
mutagenic and
carcinogenic The most commonly used test is called a TBARS Assay.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Lipid Peroxidation'.
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