Chemistry and biology of ω-3 PUFA peroxidation-derived compounds

The ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are among the most popular dietary supplements in the US, but they are chemically unstable and highly prone to lipid peroxidation. Many studies performed in different countries demonstrate that the majority of ω-3 PUFA products on the market are oxidized, suggesting that the resulting ω-3 PUFA peroxidation-derived compounds could be widely consumed by the general public. Therefore, it is of practical importance to understand the effects of these oxidized lipid compounds on human health. In this review, we summarize and discuss the chemical structures and biological activities of ω-3 PUFA peroxidation-derived compounds, and emphasize the importance to better understand the role of lipid peroxidation in biological activities of ω-3 PUFAs.