Can Lipid Peroxidation Be Reversed, or Is Cell Damage Permanent?
Have you ever thought about how cells would respond to the breakdown of their protective membranes? Every day, our cells face oxidative attacks by reactive oxygen species, leading to the formation of oxidative lesions on membrane lipids, which is known as lipid peroxidation. However, once it occurs, can cells regenerate, or is the damage permanent?
It all depends on the level of injury. If a certain degree of injury is involved, the body is able to fix oxidative damage with the help of strong antioxidant systems and replacement of the damaged lipids in the cell membranes. Nonetheless, if lipid peroxidation gets too extensive and prolonged, it leads to permanent impairment of cell membranes and further cell dysfunction and even cell death. It is known to be associated with aging and such pathologies as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
Lipid peroxidation serves as an example of how cells fight for a balance between damage and repair. The problem is not about the prevention of oxidative processes at all costs—this is something unreal—and about sufficient protection to have control over them.
When does reversible damage turn into irreversible damage?
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