Reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation product (ROS and LPP)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, produced through cellular respiration and other metabolic processes. Lipid peroxidation is the process by which ROS oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes, leading to formation of lipid peroxides, hydroperoxides, and secondary aldehyde products such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). These reactive products can damage proteins, DNA, and organelle membranes, trigger cell death pathways including apoptosis and ferroptosis, promote inflammation, and contribute to the pathology of diseases ranging from cancer and neurodegeneration to cardiovascular disorders. While antioxidant defenses neutralize ROS and lipid peroxides, therapeutic targeting often focuses on enhancing these systems or blocking downstream harm. Detection of peroxidation products like MDA is used as a biomarker for oxidative stress in clinical and experimental research.

Other names

ROS and LPPFree radicalsOxidative stress intermediatesLipid peroxidesLipid hydroperoxidesLipid oxidation products (LOPs)ROSLPP

Radical scavenging (donating electrons/hydrogen atoms) Metal chelation Breaking peroxidation chain reactions Increasing endogenous antioxidant defense Inhibiting lipid peroxidation