Thermal desorption-gas chromatographic determination of ethane and pentane in breath as potential markers of lipid peroxidation

Abstract

Formation of free radicals and lipoperoxidation occur at the onset of cellular damage. These effects are produced during normal metabolism and in pathological states. The peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, i.e. linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are both cellular membrane compounds, induces ethane and pentane formation in pulmonary air exhalation. These two volatile hydrocarbons can be considered as potential lipoperoxidation markers. Methodological difficulties limit the use of these gases for assessment of free oxygen radical activity but we have developed and validated a non-invasive technique. A study was performed with ten healthy volunteers.