Toxic effects of lipids

Jayaweera, R., R. Petersen, and P. Smejtek. 1982. Induced hydrogen ion transport in lipid membranes as origin of toxic effect of pentachlorophenol in an alga. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol. 18 197-204. 

The toxic effects of ozone in plant systems have been studied for some time, yet the actual mechanisms of injury are not fully understood. In addition to visible necrosis which appears largely on upper leaf surfaces, many other physiological and biochemical effects have been recorded ( ). One of the first easily measurable effects is a stimulation of respiration. Frequently, however, respiration may not increase without concomitant visible injury. Furthermore, photosynthesis in green leaves as measured by CO2 assimilation, may decrease. It is well known that ozone exposure is accompanied by a dramatic increase in free pool amino acids ( ). Ordin and his co-workers ( ) have clearly shown the effect of ozone on cell wall biosynthesis. In addition, ozone is known to oxidize certain lipid components of the cell ( ), to affect ribosomal RNA (16) and to alter the fine structure of chloroplasts (7 ). 

Studies carried out with complete cells in vivo, cell membranes and other cell fractions point to the selective oxidation of phosphatidylserine (26) to a hydroperoxide (PS-OOH) on oxidative stress caused by toxic agents such as H2O2, t-BuOOH and cumyl hydroperoxide (27). Formation of PS-OOH is observed during apoptosis. These phenomena are important because of the cytotoxic effects of various peroxides used in commercial products coming into direct contact with the human body, as is the case of epidermal keratinocytes in contact with cosmetic formulations" ". The toxic effects of f-BuOOH are associated with vasoconstriction and damage to the vascular smooth muscles ". Global determination methods for primary lipid oxidation products are discussed in Section IV.B. 

Because it requires small amounts of lipid A generally injected s.c., the adjuvant effect of lipid A has been largely investigated in cancer patients, but only with MPLA. Phase I and phase II trials show weak toxicity of different vaccines with MPLA and the development of an immune response. Phase III are now necessary to find an effective protocol. 

Surfactants act as solubilizers, stabilizers, emulsiLers, and wetting agents. They can also causi toxicity and disrupt normal membrane structure. Surfactant toxicity is directly related to its concentration. This should be considered by the pharmaceutical formulator so levels below the toxic concentration will be used for a particular application. Many of the toxic effects of the surfactants are related to their physicochemical properties and their interaction with biological membranes and other macromolecular assemblies. The observed protein binding and lipid solubilization is directly... 

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