Lipid peroxyl radical in cellular membrane (LOO•)

Lipid peroxyl radicals are reactive intermediates formed during lipid peroxidation—a destructive chain reaction attacking polyunsaturated fatty acids in cellular membranes. Their formation is initiated by free radicals (e.g., hydroxyl radicals) abstracting hydrogen from PUFA chains, producing carbon-centered lipid radicals that swiftly react with molecular oxygen to produce peroxyl radicals (LOO•). These radicals propagate the chain, leading to additional damage, generation of lipid hydroperoxides, and, ultimately, further degradation of membrane structure and cell function. This process is central to multiple pathologies including neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, but lipid peroxyl radicals themselves are not therapeutic targets—they are chemical hazards and mediators of cellular injury. Antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E) and ferroptosis inhibitors can indirectly mitigate their effects by intercepting these radicals or blocking upstream events.

Other names

Lipid peroxyl radicallipid hydroperoxyl radicalLOO•peroxyl radical in membranes

Antioxidants donate hydrogen atoms to lipid peroxyl radicals, terminating the propagation chain and forming non-reactive species. Iron chelators reduce transition metal availability, limiting radical formation via Fenton reactions. Ferroptosis inhibitors block lipid peroxidation cascade.