Formation and degradation of aldehydic lipid peroxidation product, (l?)-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in biological system

Abstract

(E)-4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a major breakdown product of lipid peroxides formed from n-6 fatty acids. This aldehyde has high reactivity towards nucleophilic groups of proteins or nucleic acids, and exerts significant deleterious effects on cell functions and viability. While, HNE in vivo is rapidly metabolized to 4-hydroxy nonenoic acid, 1,4-dihydroxynonene and HNEglutathione conjugate by enzymatic systems, but the metabolism is depressed in aging and various pathological conditions. HNE may, therefore, play a key role in the initiation and development of oxidative damage in biological system. This review outlines the formation and metabolism of HNE including our proposed mechansim on the toxic effect of the HNE-glutathione conjugate.