Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid is a critical component of polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which the catabolism exacerbates the oxidation reaction and causes damage to red blood cell membranes causing hidden blood loss (HBL) after THA and TKA[1].

Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) is an enzyme that scavenges free radicals and catalytically breaks down hydrogen peroxide, protecting cell membrane structure and function from damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a ubiquitous antioxidant enzyme found in aerobic organisms that helps remove superoxide free radicals and protects against the toxic effect of oxygen free radicals.

The linoleic acid-treatment rats were treated with four different concentrations of linoleic acid diluted in 20% ethanol by intravenous administration into the tail vein. HBL occurred when linoleic acid was administered at a concentration of 60 mmol/L. Red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels were significantly reduced by 24 h post-injection, following by erythrocyte deformation, reduced activity of GSH-PX and T-SOD, and decreased levels of H₂O₂. This was accompanied by an increase in ferryl species, which likely contributes to oxidative stress in vivo [1].

Reference:

[1] Yuan T, Fan W B, Cong Y, et al. Linoleic acid induces red blood cells and hemoglobin damage via oxidative mechanism. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2015, 8(5): 5044-5052.