[Mechanism of formation of malonic dialdehyde during liposome interaction with cells]

In the presence of intact Ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells and the supernatant obtained by preincubation and subsequent precipitation of cells, egg phosphatidylcholine is oxidized in liposomes to form malonic dialdehyde (MDA). Catalase and carbon dioxide markedly reduce, whereas sodium azide increases MDA accumulation during liposome incubation with the cells. EDTA, diethylthiocarbonate and alpha-tocopherol effectively inhibit, whereas ascorbate and cysteine strongly activate MDA synthesis in both cases. Superoxide dismutase has no appreciable effect on these processes. It is concluded that metal-containing catalysts and the H2O2 released by intact cells into the incubation medium induce lipid peroxidation in liposomes.