Current status of acrolein as a lipid peroxidation product

There is increasing evidence that aldehydes generated endogenously during lipid peroxidation contribute to the pathophysiologic effects associated with oxidative stress in cells and tissues. A number of reactive lipid aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxy-2-alkenals and malondialdehyde, have been implicated as causative agents in cytotoxic processes initiated by the exposure of biologic systems to oxidizing agents. Recently, acrolein (CH2 = CH - CHO), a ubiquitous pollutant in the environment, was identified as a product of lipid peroxidation reactions. The basis for this finding is an experimental approach that provides a measure of acrolein bound to lysine residues of protein. The identification of acrolein as an endogenous lipid-derived product suggests an examination of the possible role of this aldehyde as a mediator of oxidative damage in a variety of human diseases. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 1999;9:109-113). (C) 1999, Elsevier Science Inc.