Enhanced electron transfer by unsaturated fatty acids and superoxide dismutase

We have previously shown that unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) facilitate electron transfer between iron centers such as ferrous iron and ferricytochrome C. Extending this concept to a more physiologic model of fatty acids associated with proteins, we find that electron transfer is also enhanced in this model. While investigating whether free superoxide was involved in this electron transfer, we discovered that superoxide dismutase (SOD) enhanced the electron transfer. While the mechanism of electron transfer is unknown, the above findings are consistent with UFA and SOD participating in membrane redox systems.