Figure 1.

Generation of HNE as a product of lipid peroxidation. (A) Due to the attack of oxygen free radical X. (mostly hydroxyl radical) on the omega-6-poylunsaturade acids (PUFA), the chain-reaction of lipid peroxidation is initiated. (B) Lipid hydroperoxides can be spontaneously or under the influence of transition metals further metabolized generating radicals themselves. (C) The end products of oxidative degradation of PUFA are reactive aldehydes, among which HNE exhibits the most prominent biochemical and biomedical effects, acting as a second messenger of free radicals. (D) In the case of the presence of lipid-soluble antioxidants, the initial stage of lipid peroxidation can be terminated.