A combination study of spin-trapping, LC/ESR and LC/MS on carbon-centred radicals formed from lipoxygenase-catalysed peroxidation of eicosapentaenoic acid

Free Radic Res. 2009 Jan;43(1):13-27. doi: 10.1080/10715760802567606.

Abstract

Increased evidence from animal and in vitro cellular research indicates that the metabolism of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can inhibit carcinogenesis in many cancers. Free radical-mediated peroxidation is one of many possible mechanisms to which EPA's anti-cancer activity has been attributed. However, no direct evidence has been obtained for the formation of any EPA-derived radicals. In this study, a combination of LC/ESR and LC/MS was used with alpha-[4-pyridyl 1-oxide]-N-tert-butyl nitrone to identify the carbon-centred radicals that are formed in lipoxygenase-catalysed EPA peroxidation. Of the numerous EPA-derived radicals observed, the major products were those stemming from beta-scission of 5-, 15- and 18-EPA-alkoxyl radicals. By means of an internal standard in LC/MS, this study also quantified each radical adduct in all its redox forms, including an ESR-active form and two ESR-silent forms. The comprehensive profile of EPA's radical formation provides a starting point for ongoing research in defining the biological effects of radicals generated from EPA peroxidation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biocatalysis
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / metabolism*
  • Free Radicals / analysis
  • Free Radicals / chemistry*
  • Free Radicals / metabolism*
  • Glycine max / enzymology
  • Lipid Peroxidation / physiology*
  • Lipoxygenase / metabolism*
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Pyridines
  • Spin Trapping

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Free Radicals
  • Pyridines
  • alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Lipoxygenase