Heavy metal induced change in the gene expression of HMG-COA reductase has already been reported (42). The increased PLs content in Fe intoxicated rats may be due to elevation in the levels of FFAs and cholesterol. The antioxidant property could also contribute to the protection of membrane lipids from free radical thereby HDN attenuated the abnormal dispersion of membrane lipids in circulation as well as reduced the excessive generation

of more toxic peroxides, which cause drastic changes in cells and tissues. Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease is often attributed to the intake Selleck PLX4032 phytochemicals, which lower excessive cholesterol and/or TGs concentrations (43). Lipid peroxidation is the process of oxidative degradation of poly unsaturated fatty acid and the products of lipid peroxidation inactivate cell constituents by oxidation or cause oxidative stress by undergoing radical chain

reaction ultimately leading to the cell damage (44, 45). Iron is the most common cofactor within the oxygen handling biological machinery and, specifically, lipid peroxidation of biological membranes is the main pathogenic mechanism of iron overload induced tissue damage (46). The mitochondrion is a target for iron toxicity, with oxidative mitochondrial damage and poisoning of enzymes of the tri carboxylic acid cycle and energy metabolism recognized as potential targets (47). Iron is also an essential element Selleck Pexidartinib whose redox properties Low-density-lipoprotein receptor kinase and coordination chemistry suits it for a number of catalytic and transport functions in living cells [48]. However, these same properties render iron toxic, to a large extent due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species

(49, 50). Iron is a well known inducer of reactive oxygen species. Its ability to accelerate lipid peroxidation is well established (51, 52). Harmful effects of extreme iron deposition in liver are likely during iron overload, which has been associated with the initiation and propagation of ROS induced oxidative damage to all biomacromolecules (proteins, lipids, sugar and DNA) that can lead to a critical failure of biological functions and ultimately cell death (53). Free radicals such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, which cause lipid peroxidation, can lead to cell death (54). It is well known that excess free iron induces the expression of nitric oxide, releases the nitric oxide which combines with superoxide anions to form “peroxynitrite”, a very toxic mediator of lipid peroxidation as well as oxidative damage to cellular membrane (55, 56). Earlier studies have demonstrated the critical role of iron in the formation of reactive oxygen species that ultimately cause peroxidative damage to vital cell structures (57).