Lipid peroxidation (mediated by reactive oxygen species)

Lipid peroxidation refers to the oxidative degradation of membrane lipids, most often polyunsaturated fatty acids, by reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide. This process disrupts membrane structure, permeability, and fluidity, ultimately leading to cellular dysfunction or death. Oxidized lipid byproducts (e.g., malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal) can act as signaling molecules that drive apoptosis, ferroptosis, and inflammatory cascades. While not a conventional drug target like a receptor or enzyme, the process is central to the pathogenesis of diseases involving oxidative stress—including cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular conditions. Intervention strategies often focus on scavenging ROS, preventing iron-catalyzed radical generation, or enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzyme pathways. The measurement of lipid peroxidation products serves as important biomarkers for oxidative injury in research and clinical contexts.

Other names

lipid oxidationoxidative damage to membrane lipidsROS-mediated lipid peroxidation

Scavenging or neutralization of ROS to prevent lipid peroxidation (antioxidants); Inhibiting iron-dependent ROS generation to block ferroptosis (iron chelators); Enhancing reduction of lipid hydroperoxides via GPX4 agonists or mimetics