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Lipid Peroxidation

Meaning

Lipid peroxidation is a chain reaction process involving the oxidative degradation of lipids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in cellular membranes, by reactive oxygen species (ROS). This detrimental process generates toxic byproducts, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which can damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. It is a key mechanism of oxidative stress and is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous age-related and chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.