An antioxidant-like action for non-peroxidisable phospholipids using ferrous iron as a peroxidation initiator

Authors

Colin Cortie, University of WollongongFollow
Paul Else, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

99486

Publication Details

Cortie, C. H. & Else, P. L. (2015). An antioxidant-like action for non-peroxidisable phospholipids using ferrous iron as a peroxidation initiator. BBA: Biomembranes, 1848 (6), 1303-1307.

Abstract

The degradation of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, termed peroxidation, poses a constant challenge to membranes lipid composition and function. Phospholipids with saturated (e.g. PC 16:0/16:0) and monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g. PC 16:0/18:1) are some of the most common phospholipids found in membranes and are generally not peroxidisable. The present experiments show that these non-peroxidisable phospholipids, when present in liposomes with peroxidisable phospholipids (i.e. those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids) such as PC 16:0/18:2 and Soy PC, produce an inhibitory effect on rates of peroxidation induced by ferrous-iron. This inhibitory effect acts to extend the duration of the lag phase by several-fold. If present in natural systems, this action could enhance the capacity of conventional antioxidant mechanisms in membranes. The results of this preliminary work suggest that non-peroxidisable phospholipids may exert an antioxidant-like action in membranes.