Mechanisms of lipid peroxidation

Abstract

This article provides an overview of how peroxidation of unsaturated lipids takes place and how it can be measured. Several different aspects of free-radical-mediated lipid peroxidation are discussed, including: (a) the catalytic role of chelated iron and other redox metal ions; (b) induction by reducing agents such as superoxide, ascorbate, and xenobiotic free radicals; (c) suppression by antioxidant chemicals and enzymes; and (d) how peroxidation that depends on pre-existing hydroperoxides (lipid hydroperoxide-dependent initiation of lipid peroxidation) can be distinguished from that which does not (lipid hydroperoxide-independent initiation of lipid peroxidation). Attention is also given to non-radical, singlet oxygen-driven peroxidation and how this can be resolved from radical-driven processes.