The biochemistry of the isoprostane, neuroprostane, and isofuran pathways of lipid peroxidation

Chem Phys Lipids. 2004 Mar;128(1-2):173-86. doi: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2003.09.016.

Abstract

F2-isoprostanes are prostaglandin F2-like compounds that are formed nonenzymatically by free radical mediated peroxidation of arachidonic acid. Intermediate in the pathway of the formation of isoprostanes are labile prostaglandin H2-like bicyclic endoperoxides (H2-isoprostanes), which are reduced to F2-isoprostanes and also undergo rearrangement in vivo to form E-ring and D-ring isoprostanes, isothromboxanes, and highly reactive acyclic gamma-ketoaldehdyes (isoketals). Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6omega3) is highly enriched in neurons in the brain and is highly susceptible to oxidation. Free radical mediated oxidation of docosahexaenoic acid results in the formation of isoprostane-like compounds (neuroprostanes). F4- and E4/D4-neuroprostanes as well as neuroketals have been shown to be produced in vivo. Finally, we recently discovered a new pathway of lipid peroxidation that forms compounds with a substituted tetrahydrofuran ring (isofurans). Oxygen concentrations differentially modulate the formation of isoprostanes and isofurans; at elevated oxygen concentrations, the formation of isofurans is favored whereas the formation of isoprostanes is disfavored.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Furans / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Isoprostanes / metabolism*
  • Lipid Peroxidation*

Substances

  • Furans
  • Isoprostanes