Introduction

• Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a metabolite produced during lipid peroxidation in living organisms.
• Serves as a crucial marker of oxidative injury, explaining cellular impairment and various diseases.

Chemical Properties and Formation

• MDA has the molecular formula C3H4O2, making it unstable and highly reactive due to the presence of aldehyde groups.
• Formed during the decomposition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) when free radicals attack double bonds, initiating a chain reaction.
• Reacts with proteins, DNA, and other macromolecules, causing cell malfunction.

Role as a Biomarker in Disease Detection

• Found in biological samples, useful in diagnosing diseases by assessing MDA levels.
• Elevated MDA levels observed in cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions.
• Blood, urine, or tissue samples are analyzed to determine oxidative damage and track disease progression.
• Stable and easy to detect, making it a valuable biomarker in clinical practice and research.

Measurement Techniques and Clinical Applications

• Common methods for determining MDA levels:
• Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay: quantifies MDA-TBA adduct formation.
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Immunological approaches.

Health Implications and Cellular Damage

• MDA forms adducts with proteins and DNA, leading to:
• Altered protein function and structure.
• DNA mutations and genomic instability.
• Cellular membrane damage.
• Impaired enzyme activity.
• Disrupted cellular signalling pathways.
• Understanding the link between MDA levels and cellular damage aids in formulating measures to alleviate oxidative stress-related damage.

Prevention and Therapeutic Approaches

• Preventive measures to maintain normal MDA levels and avoid overproduction:
• Consumption of antioxidant-rich foods to neutralize free radicals.
• Proper exercise boosts the body's antioxidant defence system.
• Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet to minimize oxidative damage.
• Healthcare professionals emphasize assessing and controlling MDA levels for managing oxidative stress diseases.