[Interaction between proteins and oxidized lipids]

Oxidized lipids react with proteins to form lipoproteid complexes in which the lipids are bound to the proteins in part by physical forces, in part by covalency. The free radicals resulting from the cleavage by hydroperoxides are the major precursors of the lipoproteid complexes. The interaction is associated with protein denaturation and oligomer formation. The lipids contained in the lipoproteid complexes are only in part extracted by chloroform-methanol; in part not until after acid or alkaline hydrolysis. The nutritive value of the protein moiety is diminished by the reaction of the hydroperoxides with methionine and cysteine and by the reaction of the peroxidic radicals and aldehydes with lysine and other basic amino acids. Secondary reactions of the lipoproteid complexes lead to brown coloured, only partly soluble compounds which often impair the organoleptic value. The rancidity products of the fats are neutralized by the reaction with proteins. The action of highly unsaturated oxidized lipids on proteins results in the development of a fishy aroma.