Pathophysiology And the Biochemical and Clinical Significance of Malondialdehyde

Malondialdehyde is a highly reactive three-carbon dialdehyde that is produced via lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is an oxidative degradation process of lipids that leads to the generation of reactive species of oxygen and free radicals. These highly reactive molecules can act upon DNA, proteins, and lipids, resulting in several pathological effects. Since MDA is capable of reacting with several cellular macromolecules like proteins, DNA, and phospholipids, it has been suggested as a possible causal factor in the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases. Therefore, the knowledge of formation and metabolism of malondialdehyde is essential for the comprehension of its biochemistry and clinical significance.