Fatty acids, lipid peroxidation and diseases.

Many studies have implicated oxygen radicals and lipid peroxidation in various diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are believed to be one of the keys for understanding the damage that can be done to cells by free radicals. Free radical attack on PUFA may result in (1) the loss of PUFA which play important roles in cell membrane structure and as precursors for eicosanoid (prostaglandin and leukotriene) formation and (2) the formation of lipid peroxides and related compounds which can themselves cause damage to other cellular constituents. It is feared that provision of PUFA. which would provide further substrates for free radical attack, might make diseases worse. Contrary to this idea, evidence from recent studies on the effect of PUFA supplementation on a variety of diseases supports the view that PUFA have desirable rather than undesirable effects. Examples of desirable effects of PUFA supplementation on rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, alcoholic liver damage, radiation protection, and especially cancer is presented.