Lipid peroxidation defense is the integrated network of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms employed by the cell to prevent or neutralize the oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) within cell membranes and lipoproteins. This defense system is paramount for preserving cellular membrane integrity, preventing the generation of toxic lipid aldehydes, and maintaining overall cellular function. A compromised defense capacity is a hallmark of accelerated aging and chronic disease.
Origin
The term combines ‘lipid peroxidation,’ the oxidative degradation of lipids, with ‘defense,’ referring to the protective biological systems. This concept is central to the study of oxidative stress and its impact on human physiology. In hormonal health, this defense is especially critical in tissues rich in PUFAs, like the brain, where a failure of this system can impair the function of sensitive hormone-producing or hormone-responsive cells.
Mechanism
The defense mechanism involves a cascade of antioxidant molecules and enzymes. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) acts as a primary chain-breaking antioxidant, directly scavenging lipid peroxyl radicals within the membrane. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase work synergistically in the aqueous phase to reduce hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals, preventing their attack on lipids. The continuous operation of this defense maintains the structural integrity and functional fluidity of the cellular and organelle membranes, which is essential for proper signal transduction and energy production.
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