Organic hydroperoxide (ROOH) (ROOH)

Organic hydroperoxides (ROOH) are a class of highly reactive molecules characterized by the presence of a hydroperoxyl group attached to an organic substituent. They are primarily formed as intermediates during the autoxidation of organic matter, particularly lipids (lipid hydroperoxides), and are significant components of oxidative stress within biological systems (PubChem, 2024). While they can act as signaling molecules at low concentrations, their accumulation leads to the damage of cellular components, including proteins, DNA, and lipid membranes, contributing to the pathogenesis of diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and neurodegeneration (Halliwell & Gutteridge, 2015). In a therapeutic context, organic hydroperoxides are not typically targets themselves but are substrates for antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidases and peroxiredoxins, which neutralize them to prevent cellular damage (UniProt, 2024). Drugs like ebselen act as mimetics of these enzymes to reduce hydroperoxide levels, while other antioxidants scavenge the radicals produced during their decomposition (PubMed, 2023).

Other names

Alkyl hydroperoxidesLipid hydroperoxidesHydroperoxidesOrganic peroxides

Reduction by antioxidant enzymes or scavenging by antioxidant molecules to prevent oxidative damage.