Arachidonic acid hydroperoxide stimulates lipid peroxidation in rat liver nuclei and chromatin fractions

Lipid Peroxidation of the Docosahexaenoic Acid/Arachidonic Acid Ratio Relating to the Social Behaviors of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Relationship with Ferroptosis

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) undergo lipid peroxidation and conversion into malondialdehyde (MDA). MDA reacts with acetaldehyde to form malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL). We studied unsettled issues in the association between MDA-LDL and the pathophysiology of ASD in 18 individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and eight age-matched controls. Social behaviors were assessed using the social responsiveness scale (SRS). To overcome the problem of using small samples, adaptive Lasso was used to enhance the interpretability accuracy, and a coefficient of variation was used for variable selections. Plasma levels of the MDA-LDL levels (91.00 ± 16.70 vs. 74.50 ± 18.88) and the DHA/arachidonic acid (ARA) ratio (0.57 ± 0.16 vs. 0.37 ± 0.07) were significantly higher and the superoxide dismutase levels were significantly lower in the ASD group than those in the control group. Total SRS scores in the ASD group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The unbeneficial DHA/ARA ratio induced ferroptosis via lipid peroxidation. Multiple linear regression analysis and adaptive Lasso revealed an association of the DHA/ARA ratio with total SRS scores and increased MDA-LDL levels in plasma, resulting in neuronal deficiencies. This unbeneficial DHA/ARA-ratio-induced ferroptosis contributes to autistic social behaviors and is available for therapy.

Reduced levels of placental long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in preterm deliveries

Reports suggest that the placenta in preterm birth may provide clues to predicting the risk of individuals developing chronic diseases in later life. Placental delivery of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) (constituents of the cell membrane and precursors of prostaglandins) is essential for the optimal development of the central nervous system of the fetus. The present study examines the levels of LCPUFA and their association with placental weight and birth outcome in 58 women delivering preterm and 44 women delivering at term. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) levels were lower (p<0.01) in women delivering preterm. There was a positive association of placental DHA with placental weight (p=0.036) and nervonic acid with head circumference (p=0.040) in the preterm group. Altered placental LCPUFA status exists in Indian mothers delivering preterm, which may influence the birth outcome.