Lipidációk

Lipidációk refers to the process of lipid peroxidation, a destructive chain reaction that involves the oxidation of lipids. This process is a major cause of cellular damage in living organisms. It begins when a reactive oxygen species (ROS) attacks a polyunsaturated fatty acid within a cell membrane or in lipoproteins. This attack initiates a chain reaction where the lipid radical reacts with oxygen to form a lipid peroxyl radical, which then abstracts a hydrogen atom from another fatty acid, propagating the damage.

The products of lipid peroxidation, such as aldehydes and malondialdehyde (MDA), are reactive and can further damage cellular components like proteins and DNA. This damage can lead to impaired cell function, loss of membrane integrity, and ultimately cell death. Lipid peroxidation is implicated in a wide range of diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging.

The body has defense mechanisms against lipid peroxidation, primarily through antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as dietary antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. However, when the production of ROS overwhelms these defenses, lipid peroxidation can become significant, contributing to oxidative stress and disease progression. Monitoring markers of lipid peroxidation, like MDA levels, is sometimes used in clinical settings to assess oxidative damage.