Fragmentation of a linoleate-derived γ-hydroperoxy-α,β-unsaturated epoxide to γ-hydroxy- and γ-oxo-alkenals involves a unique pseudo-symmetrical diepoxycarbinyl radical

Heme-catalyzed degradation of linoleate 9-hydroperoxide (9-HPODE) forms two allylic epoxy-ketones via a proposed pseudo-symmetrical diepoxy radical intermediate

Heme-initiated decomposition of unsaturated fatty acid hydroperoxides creates alkoxyl radicals that propagate a complex series of reactions to hydroxy, keto, epoxy and aldehydic products. Herein, among the products from the hematin-catalyzed degradation of 9-hydroperoxy-linoleic acid (9-HPODE), we observed a double peak on normal-phase HPLC that resolved on RP-HPLC into equal proportions of two epoxy-allylic ketones with identical UV spectra. Their proton NMR spectra were also indistinguishable and consistent with 9,10-trans-epoxy-11E-13-keto- and 9-keto-10E-12,13-trans-epoxy-octadecenoic acids. Acid hydrolysis to the corresponding dihydroxy-ketones and GC-MS analysis identified the earlier eluting product on RP-HPLC as the 9,10-epoxy regio-isomer. Starting from the C9-hydroperoxide, recovery of the two epoxy-ketones in equal proportions suggests their formation from a common intermediate. Earlier work has proposed formation of a pseudo-symmetrical diepoxy radical (9,10-epoxy-11(•)-12,13-epoxy, derived from an epoxy allylic hydroperoxide precursor) in the carbon chain fragmentation leading to aldehydic products. This intermediate in pathways of alkoxyl radical reactions forms equal pairs of aldehydes, and now also a pair of epoxy-ketones, and based on mechanism the same products arise from either 9-HPODE or 13-HPODE. Our results point to the intermediacy of this diepoxy-carbinyl radical in the origin of at least two classes of linoleate peroxidation products, and it should be considered as a viable intermediate for homo-conjugated diene peroxidation in general. The reactions could contribute to the aldehydes and epoxy-ketones in tissues undergoing oxidative transformations of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Epoxides: an underestimated lipid oxidation product

Immense gains in understanding of mechanisms and effects of lipid oxidation have been achieved in the nearly 90 years over which lipid oxidation has been an active research focus. Even so, the substantial questions still being raised about lipid oxidation in this special issue show clearly that missing pieces remain and must be considered for full accounting of this important reaction in any system. In this context, epoxides are spotlighted as a critical overlooked product of lipid autoxidation - underestimated in analysis, underestimated in presence as a functionally active and competitive intermediate and product of lipid oxidation, and underestimated in potential contributions to impact of lipid oxidation on other molecules and cell functions. Logical reasons for ignoring or not finding epoxides are offered in historical development of lipid oxidation knowledge. Reactions generating lipid epoxides in autoxidation are reviewed, limitations in detecting and tracking epoxides are outlined to explain why epoxides may not be detected when they should be present, and justifications for increased research and analysis of epoxides are argued. The main goal is to provide a context for recognizing epoxides as critical products that must be accounted for in determining the state rather than extent of lipid oxidation and in tracking its consequences in oils, foods, personal care products, and tissues. A secondary goal is to stimulate new research using contemporary analyses to fill in the gaps of knowledge about epoxide formation, structure, and reactions in lipid autoxidation.

Elucidation of decomposition pathways of linoleic acid hydroperoxide isomers by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS

Food lipid oxidation provides various volatile compounds involved in food flavor via the decomposition of lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH). This study predicted the pathways which can coherently explain LOOH decomposition focusing on hydroperoxy octadecadienoic acid (HpODE) isomers (9-EZ-HpODE, 9-EE-HpODE, 10-HpODE, 12-HpODE, 13-ZE-HpODE, and 13-EE-HpODE) which are the major LOOH contained in edible oils. Each standard was first prepared and thermally decomposed. Generated volatile and non-volatile compounds were analyzed by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The results showed that all HpODE decomposition was based on the factors such as favorable scission, radical delocalization, and cyclization. Interestingly, the formation of 8-HpODE and 14-HpODE were demonstrated during HpODE decomposition. The insights obtained in this study would explain the generation pathways of flavor involved in food quality.

Individual and Joint Effect of Alpha-Tocopherol and Hydroxytyrosol Acetate on the Oxidation of Sunflower Oil Submitted to Oxidative Conditions: A Study by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

This study tackles the individual and joint effect of alpha-tocopherol and hydroxytyrosol acetate on the oxidation of sunflower oil submitted to accelerated storage conditions at intermediate temperature, in order to deepen the understanding of antioxidant–prooxidant behaviour. This was accomplished by ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. For this purpose, the evolution of the degradation of both the main components of the oil and the aforementioned added compounds was monitored by this technique throughout the storage time. Furthermore, the formation of a very large number of oxylipins and the evolution of their concentration up to a very advanced stage of oil oxidation, as well as the occurrence of lipolysis, were also simultaneously studied. The results obtained show very clearly and thoroughly that in the oxidation process of the oil enriched in binary mixtures, interactions occur between alpha-tocopherol and hydroxytyrosol acetate that notably reduce the antioxidant effect of the latter compound with the corresponding negative consequences that this entails. The methodology used here has proved to be very efficient to evaluate the antioxidant power of mixtures of compounds.

Influence of Hydroxytyrosol Acetate Enrichment of an Oil Rich in Omega-6 Groups on the Evolution of Its Oxidation and Oxylipin Formation When Subjected to Accelerated Storage. A Global Study by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Sunflower oil samples, both unenriched and enriched with four different concentrations of hydroxytyrosol acetate, were subjected to accelerated storage at 70 °C until a very advanced oxidation stage and the process was monitored by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The aim of the study is to know the effect that the presence of this antioxidant has on the oxidation process of sunflower oil under the aforementioned conditions, as well as on the formation and evolution of the concentration of a significant number of oxylipins. The oxidation process was studied globally by monitoring, during storage time, the degradation of both the linoleic acyl group of sunflower oil, which is the main component of sunflower oil, and the added hydroxytyrosol acetate. Simultaneously, the identification of up to twenty-six different types of oxylipins formed in the oxidation process and the monitoring of the evolution of their concentration over the storage time were carried out. In this way, essential information about the effect that hydroxytyrosol acetate provokes on the oxidation of this oil rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated acyl groups, has been obtained. It has also been shown that the enrichment of sunflower oil with this antioxidant under the conditions tested does not prevent the oxidation process but slows it down, affecting the entire oxidation process.

Alpha-Tocopherol, a Powerful Molecule, Leads to the Formation of Oxylipins in Polyunsaturated Oils Differently to the Temperature Increase: A Detailed Study by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Walnut Oil Oxidation

Lipid oxidation causes food degradation and the formation of toxic compounds. Therefore, the addition to foods of compounds able to avoid, delay or minimize this degradative process is a commonly used strategy. Nevertheless, neither the identity of most of the formed compounds in this complex process nor the way in which their formation is affected by the strategy used are well known. In this context, the effect the temperature increase and the enrichment level in alpha-tocopherol on the evolution of the walnut oil oxidation, as a model of an oil rich in polyunsaturated omega-6 acyl groups, submitted to storage conditions, are tackled by ¹H NMR. The study has allowed knowing the degradation kinetic of both the oil acyl groups and alpha-tocopherol, the identification of a very high number of oxylipins and the kinetic of their formation. The temperature increase accelerates the formation of all oxylipins, favouring the formation of hydroperoxy conjugated E,E-dienes and related derivatives versus that of the Z,E-isomers. The enrichment in alpha-tocopherol accelerates the formation of hydroperoxy conjugated Z,E-dienes and related derivatives, and delays in relation to the formation of the former that of the E,E-isomers and related derivatives, hindering, to a certain extent, the formation of the latter in line with the enrichment level.

Chemistry and analysis of HNE and other prominent carbonyl-containing lipid oxidation compounds

The process of lipid oxidation generates a diverse array of small aldehydes and carbonyl-containing compounds, which may occur in free form or esterified within phospholipids and cholesterol esters. These aldehydes mostly result from fragmentation of fatty acyl chains following radical oxidation, and the products can be subdivided into alkanals, alkenals (usually α,β-unsaturated), γ-substituted alkenals and bis-aldehydes. Isolevuglandins are non-fragmented di-carbonyl compounds derived from H₂-isoprostanes, and oxidation of the ω-3-fatty acid docosahexenoic acid yield analogous 22 carbon neuroketals. Non-radical oxidation by hypochlorous acid can generate α-chlorofatty aldehydes from plasmenyl phospholipids. Most of these compounds are reactive and have generally been considered as toxic products of a deleterious process. The reactivity is especially high for the α,β-unsaturated alkenals, such as acrolein and crotonaldehyde, and for γ-substituted alkenals, of which 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and 4-oxo-2-nonenal are best known. Nevertheless, in recent years several previously neglected aldehydes have been investigated and also found to have significant reactivity and biological effects; notable examples are 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal and 4-hydroxy-dodecadienal. This has led to substantial interest in the biological effects of all of these lipid oxidation products and their roles in disease, including proposals that HNE is a second messenger or signalling molecule. However, it is becoming clear that many of the effects elicited by these compounds relate to their propensity for forming adducts with nucleophilic groups on proteins, DNA and specific phospholipids. This emphasizes the need for good analytical methods, not just for free lipid oxidation products but also for the resulting adducts with biomolecules. The most informative methods are those utilizing HPLC separations and mass spectrometry, although analysis of the wide variety of possible adducts is very challenging. Nevertheless, evidence for the occurrence of lipid-derived aldehyde adducts in biological and clinical samples is building, and offers an exciting area of future research.

A fungal catalase reacts selectively with the 13S fatty acid hydroperoxide products of the adjacent lipoxygenase gene and exhibits 13S-hydroperoxide-dependent peroxidase activity

The genome of the fungal plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum harbors six catalases, one of which has the sequence characteristics of a fatty acid peroxide-metabolizing catalase. We cloned and expressed this hemoprotein (designated as Fg-cat) along with its immediate neighbor, a 13S-lipoxygenase (cf. Brodhun et al., PloS One, e64919, 2013) that we considered might supply a fatty acid hydroperoxide substrate. Indeed, Fg-cat reacts abruptly with the 13S-hydroperoxide of linoleic acid (13S-HPODE) with an initial rate of 700-1300s^-1. By comparison there was no reaction with 9R- or 9S-HPODEs and extremely weak reaction with 13R-HPODE (~0.5% of the rate with 13S-HPODE). Although we considered Fg-cat as a candidate for the allene oxide synthase of the jasmonate pathway in fungi, the main product formed from 13S-HPODE was identified by UV, MS, and NMR as 9-oxo-10E-12,13-cis-epoxy-octadecenoic acid (with no traces of AOS activity). The corresponding analog is formed from the 13S-hydroperoxide of α-linolenic acid along with novel diepoxy-ketones and two C13 aldehyde derivatives, the reaction mechanisms of which are proposed. In a peroxidase assay monitoring the oxidation of ABTS, Fg-cat exhibited robust activity (kcat 550s^-1) using the 13S-hydroperoxy-C₁₈ fatty acids as the oxidizing co-substrate. There was no detectable peroxidase activity using the corresponding 9S-hydroperoxides, nor with t-butyl hydroperoxide, and very weak activity with H₂O₂ or cumene hydroperoxide at micromolar concentrations of Fg-cat. Fg-cat and the associated lipoxygenase gene are present together in fungal genera Fusarium, Metarhizium and Fonsecaea and appear to constitute a partnership for oxidations in fungal metabolism or defense.

Lipid peroxidation in cell death

Disruption of redox homeostasis is a key phenotype of many pathological conditions. Though multiple oxidizing compounds such as hydrogen peroxide are widely recognized as mediators and inducers of oxidative stress, increasingly, attention is focused on the role of lipid hydroperoxides as critical mediators of death and disease. As the main component of cellular membranes, lipids have an indispensible role in maintaining the structural integrity of cells. Excessive oxidation of lipids alters the physical properties of cellular membranes and can cause covalent modification of proteins and nucleic acids. This review discusses the synthesis, toxicity, degradation, and detection of lipid peroxides in biological systems. Additionally, the role of lipid peroxidation is highlighted in cell death and disease, and strategies to control the accumulation of lipid peroxides are discussed.

Formation of Aldehydic Phosphatidylcholines during the Anaerobic Decomposition of a Phosphatidylcholine Bearing the 9-Hydroperoxide of Linoleic Acid

Lipid oxidation-derived carbonyl compounds are associated with the development of various physiological disorders. Formation of most of these products has recently been suggested to require further reactions of oxygen with lipid hydroperoxides. However, in rat and human tissues, the formation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal is greatly elevated during hypoxic/ischemic conditions. Furthermore, a previous study found an unexpected result that the decomposition of a phosphatidylcholine (PC) bearing the 13-hydroperoxide of linoleic acid under a nitrogen atmosphere afforded 9-oxononanoyl-PC rather than 13-oxo-9,11-tridecadienoyl-PC as the main aldehydic PC. In the present study, products of the anaerobic decomposition of a PC bearing the 9-hydroperoxide of linoleic acid were analysed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. 9-Oxononanoyl-PC (ONA-PC) and several well-known bioactive aldehydes including 12-oxo-9-hydroperoxy-(or oxo or hydroxy)-10-dodecenoyl-PCs were detected. Hydrolysis of the oxidized PC products, methylation of the acids obtained thereby, and subsequent gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy with electron impact ionization further confirmed structures of some of the key aldehydic PCs. Novel, hydroxyl radical-dependent mechanisms of formation of ONA-PC and peroxyl-radical dependent mechanisms of formation of the rest of the aldehydes are proposed. The latter mechanisms will mainly be relevant to tissue injury under hypoxic/anoxic conditions, while the former are relevant under both normoxia and hypoxia/anoxia.

Covalent modification of DNA by α, β-unsaturated aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation: Recent progress and challenges

Oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been associated with human physiology and pathophysiology. LPO generates an array of oxidation products and among them reactive lipid aldehydes have received intensive research attentions due to their roles in modulating functions of biomolecules through covalent modification. Thus, covalent modification of DNA by these reactive lipid electrophiles has been postulated to be partially responsible for the biological roles of LPO. In this review, we summarized recent progress and challenges in studying the roles of covalent modification of DNA including nuclear and mitochondrial DNA by reactive lipid metabolites from LPO. We focused on the novel mechanistic insights into generation of lipid aldehydes from cellular membranes especially mitochondria through LPO. Recent advances in the technological front using mass spectrometry have also been highlighted in the settings of studying DNA damage caused by LPO and its biological relevance.

Effect of α-tocopherol on the hemin-catalyzed decomposition of 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-sn-phosphatidylcholine 13-hydroperoxide in micelles and liposomes

The secondary process of lipid peroxidation produces some toxic aldehydes. Since this process takes place via free radical reaction in lipophilic circumstances, α-tocopherol would suppress the formation of such aldehydes by trapping free-radical intermediates. This study reports the effect of α-tocopherol on the hemin-catalyzed decomposition of 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-sn-phosphatidylcholine 13-hydroperoxide (PLPC-OOH) in micelles and liposomes. PLPC-OOH and α-tocopherol were reacted with hemin in micelles, and the reaction products were characterized to be 1-palmitoyl-2-(α-tocopheroxy-12,13-epoxyoctadecenoyl)-3-sn-phosphatidylcholines (T-epoxyPLPC) and known compounds, 1-palmitoyl-2-[(8a-dioxy-α-tocopherone)-12,13-epoxyoctadecenoyl]-3-sn-phosphatidylcholines (TOO-epoxyPLPC) and α-tocopherol dimer. The hemin-catalyzed decomposition of PLPC-OOH in micelles produced hexanal as one of secondary aldehydic products. α-Tocopherol suppressed the formation of hexanal, and α-tocopherylquinone, α-tocopherol dimer, TOO-epoxyPLPC, and T-epoxyPLPC were detected during the reaction. In liposomes, α-tocopherol could partially suppress the formation of hexanal, and the main products were TOO-epoxyPLPC and α-tocopherol dimer. The results indicate that α-tocopherol may suppress the formation of hexanal by trapping the epoxyperoxyl and epoxyalkyl radicals derived from PLPC-OOH.

Application of screening experimental designs to assess chromatographic isotope effect upon isotope-coded derivatization for quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Isotope effect may cause partial chromatographic separation of labeled (heavy) and unlabeled (light) isotopologue pairs. Together with a simultaneous matrix effect, this could lead to unacceptable accuracy in quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assays, especially when electrospray ionization is used. Four biologically relevant reactive aldehydes (acrolein, malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, and 4-oxo-2-nonenal) were derivatized with light or heavy (d3-, (13)C6-, (15)N2-, or (15)N4-labeled) 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and used as model compounds to evaluate chromatographic isotope effects. For comprehensive assessment of retention time differences between light/heavy pairs under various gradient reversed-phase liquid chromatography conditions, major chromatographic parameters (stationary phase, mobile phase pH, temperature, organic solvent, and gradient slope) and different isotope labelings were addressed by multiple-factor screening using experimental designs that included both asymmetrical (Addelman) and Plackett-Burman schemes followed by statistical evaluations. Results confirmed that the most effective approach to avoid chromatographic isotope effect is the use of (15)N or (13)C labeling instead of deuterium labeling, while chromatographic parameters had no general influence. Comparison of the alternate isotope-coded derivatization assay (AIDA) using deuterium versus (15)N labeling gave unacceptable differences (>15%) upon quantifying some of the model aldehydes from biological matrixes. On the basis of our results, we recommend the modification of the AIDA protocol by replacing d3-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with (15)N- or (13)C-labeled derivatizing reagent to avoid possible unfavorable consequences of chromatographic isotope effects.

Lipid peroxidation generates biologically active phospholipids including oxidatively N-modified phospholipids

Peroxidation of membranes and lipoproteins converts "inert" phospholipids into a plethora of oxidatively modified phospholipids (oxPL) that can act as signaling molecules. In this review, we will discuss four major classes of oxPL: mildly oxygenated phospholipids, phospholipids with oxidatively truncated acyl chains, phospholipids with cyclized acyl chains, and phospholipids that have been oxidatively N-modified on their headgroups by reactive lipid species. For each class of oxPL we will review the chemical mechanisms of their formation, the evidence for their formation in biological samples, the biological activities and signaling pathways associated with them, and the catabolic pathways for their elimination. We will end by briefly highlighting some of the critical questions that remain about the role of oxPL in physiology and disease.

Demonstration of HNE-related aldehyde formation via lipoxygenase-catalyzed synthesis of a bis-allylic dihydroperoxide intermediate

One of the proposed pathways to the synthesis of 4-hydroxy-nonenal (HNE) and related aldehydes entails formation of an intermediate bis-allylic fatty acid dihydroperoxide. As a first direct demonstration of such a pathway and proof of principle, herein we show that 8R-lipoxygenase (8R-LOX) catalyzes the enzymatic production of the HNE-like product (11-oxo-8-hydroperoxy-undeca-5,9-dienoic acid) via synthesis of 8,11-dihydroperoxy-eicosa-5,9,12,14-tetraenoic acid intermediate. Incubation of arachidonic acid with 8R-LOX formed initially 8R-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (8R-HPETE), which was further converted to a mixture of products including a prominent HPNE-like enone. A new bis-allylic dihydroperoxide was trapped when the incubation was repeated on ice. Reincubation of this intermediate with 8R-LOX successfully demonstrated its conversion to the enone products, and this reaction was greatly accelerated by coincubation with NDGA, a reductant of the LOX iron. These findings identify a plausible mechanism that could contribute to the production of 4-hydroxy-alkenals in vivo.

The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal: Advances in chemistry and analysis

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is one of the most studied products of phospholipid peroxidation, owing to its reactivity and cytotoxicity. It can be formed by several radical-dependent oxidative routes involving the formation of hydroperoxides, alkoxyl radicals, epoxides, and fatty acyl cross-linking reactions. Cleavage of the oxidized fatty acyl chain results in formation of HNE from the methyl end, and 9-oxo-nonanoic acid from the carboxylate or esterified end of the chain, although many other products are also possible. HNE can be metabolized in tissues by a variety of pathways, leading to detoxification and excretion. HNE-adducts to proteins have been detected in inflammatory situations such as atherosclerotic lesions using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, which have also been applied in ELISAs and western blotting. However, in order to identify the proteins modified and the exact sites and nature of the modifications, mass spectrometry approaches are required. Combinations of enrichment strategies with targetted mass spectrometry routines such as neutral loss scanning are now facilitating detection of HNE-modified proteins in complex biological samples. This is important for characterizing the interactions of HNE with redox sensitive cell signalling proteins and understanding how it may modulate their activities either physiologically or in disease.