Fatty acids, lipid peroxidation and diseases (original) (raw)

Many studies have implicated oxygen radicals and lipid peroxidation in various diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are believed to be one of the keys for understanding the damage that can be done to cells by free radicals. Free radical attack on PUFA may result in (1) the loss of PUFA which play important roles in cell membrane structure and as precursors for eicosanoid (prostaglandin and leukotriene) formation and (2) the formation of lipid peroxides and related compounds which can themselves cause damage to other cellular constituents.