Malondialdehyde (MDA)

Malondialdehyde is a small organic molecule classified as a β-dicarbonyl compound with the formula C₃H₄O₂. It is an endogenous product formed primarily during the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in cells and foods. Malondialdehyde is highly reactive and exists mainly as its enol form under physiological conditions. It reacts readily with DNA and amino acids to form genotoxic adducts and protein crosslinks. This reactivity underlies its pathological significance; elevated levels are associated with cellular damage from oxidative stress in various diseases including cardiovascular disorders and neurodegeneration. Malondialdehyde itself is not considered a therapeutic target such as an enzyme or receptor but serves widely as a biomarker for lipid peroxidation and oxidative injury in clinical research settings.

Other names

malonaldehydepropanedialmalonic aldehydemalonic dialdehydemalonyldialdehyde1,3-propanedial1,3-propanedialdehyde