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Acrolein scavengers: Reactivity, mechanism and impact on health
Author(s) -
Zhu Qin,
Sun Zheng,
Jiang Yue,
Chen Feng,
Wang Mingfu
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.201100149
Subject(s) - chemistry , acrolein , nucleophile , reactivity (psychology) , electrophile , mechanism (biology) , thiol , oxidative stress , antioxidant , biochemistry , reactive nitrogen species , glutathione , combinatorial chemistry , enzyme , medicine , philosophy , alternative medicine , epistemology , pathology , catalysis
Abstract Acrolein (ACR) is an α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde that exists extensively in the environment and (thermally processed) foods. It can also be generated through endogenous metabolism. Its high electrophilicity makes this aldehyde notorious for its facile reaction with biological nucleophiles, leading to the modification of proteins/DNA and depletion of glutathione. Recent studies also have revealed its roles in disturbing various cell signing pathways in biological systems. With growing evidences of ACR's implication in human diseases, strategies to eliminate its hazardous impacts are of great importance. One of the intervention strategies is the application of reactive scavengers to directly trap ACR. Some known ACR scavengers include sulfur (thiol)‐containing and nitrogen (amino)‐containing compounds as well as the newly emerging natural polyphenols. In this review, the interactions between ACR and its scavengers are highlighted. The discussion about ACR scavengers is mainly focused on their chemical reactivity, trapping mechanisms as well as their roles extended to biological relevance. In addition to their direct trapping effect on ACR, these scavengers might possess multiple functions and offer additional benefits against ACR‐induced toxicity. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanism involved may help to establish ACR scavenging as a novel therapeutic intervention against human diseases that are associated with ACR and/or oxidative stress.