CHAPTER 9. Lipid Peroxidation: Role of Vitamin E

Lipids are amphiphilic organic molecules that are insoluble in aqueous environments and are important for maintaining membrane structures, providing energy through fatty acid β-oxidation and generating bioactive lipid mediators for signalling purposes. In particular, polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing lipids are not only important for maintaining the fluidity of the membrane but also for generating bioactive lipids through enzymatic processes or free radical mediated oxidation, termed lipid peroxidation (LPO). The free radical chain reactions can be intercepted by a good hydrogen atom donor, such as vitamin E (α-tocopherol). This chapter provides an overview of the chemical mechanisms of free radical lipid peroxidation and its biological relevance, focusing on the effects of vitamin E.