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Malondialdehyde

Meaning

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a low-molecular-weight aldehyde and a highly reactive organic compound that serves as a common and reliable biomarker for lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the human body. It is one of the final products of polyunsaturated fatty acid breakdown, which occurs when reactive oxygen species attack cellular membranes. Elevated levels of circulating MDA are clinically associated with various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and certain age-related conditions. Measuring MDA provides a quantifiable metric of the extent of free radical damage and the overall oxidative burden on a biological system.