Lipid peroxidation: chemical mechanisms, biological implications and analytical determinations

REPETTO, MARISA.; SEMPRINE, JIMENA; BOVERIS, ALBERTO

Lipid Peroxidation

Intech

Lugar: Rijeka; Año: 2012; p. 1 - 30

In pathological situations the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are generated, and as a consequence, lipid peroxidation may occur with α-tocopherol deficiency. In addition to containing high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids and transition metals, biological membranes of cells and organelles are constantly being subjected to various types of damage. The mechanism of biological damage and the toxicity of these reactive species on biological systems are currently explained by the sequential stages of reversible oxidative stress and irreversible oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is understood as an imbalance situation with increased oxidants or decreased antioxidants. The concept implies the recognition of the physiological production of oxidants (oxidizing free-radicals and related species) and the existence of operative antioxidant defenses. The imbalance concept recognizes the physiological effectiveness of antioxidant defenses in maintaining both oxidative stress and cellular damage at a minimum level in physiological conditions.