Malondialdehydi

Malondialdehyde, often abbreviated as MDA, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH2(CHO)2. It is a dialdehyde, meaning it contains two aldehyde functional groups. Malondialdehyde is a reactive molecule and is not typically found in significant free concentrations under normal physiological conditions. Its significance arises primarily from its role as a marker of oxidative stress.

MDA is a byproduct of lipid peroxidation, a process where free radicals damage polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes. This damage leads to the formation of various reactive aldehydes, including malondialdehyde. Because lipid peroxidation is a key indicator of cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species, MDA levels are frequently measured in biological samples such as blood, urine, and tissue homogenates to assess the extent of oxidative damage. Elevated levels of MDA are associated with numerous diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory processes.

The measurement of MDA is commonly performed using biochemical assays, such as the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. In this assay, MDA reacts with thiobarbituric acid under acidic and heated conditions to form a pink-colored adduct that can be quantified spectrophotometrically. While the TBARS assay is widely used, it is important to note that it is not entirely specific for MDA, as other aldehydes and molecules can also react with thiobarbituric acid. Despite this limitation, MDA remains a valuable and widely utilized biomarker in research and clinical settings to evaluate oxidative stress.