Cytolysis does not per se induce lipid peroxidation: evidence in man

An increasing bulk of data counters the opinion that cell death and lysis necessarily trigger the formation and release of detectable amounts of molecules that are markers of lipid peroxidation. Plasma levels of thiobarbituric-acid-reacting compounds, protein-aldehyde fluorescent adducts, lipid peroxides, and endogenous antioxidant compounds were monitored versus controls, during intensive care treatment, in six patients seriously poisoned by ingestion of the mushroom Amanita Phalloides. All six patients showed cytolysis, and four of them massive tissue necrosis, as monitored in terms of serum transaminases. In all six patients, however, the blood parameters of redox equilibrium measured were within the normal range for the whole observation period.