ISOPROSTANES - PROSTAGLANDIN-LIKE COMPOUNDS FORMED IN-VIVO INDEPENDENTLY OF CYCLOOXYGENASE - USE AS CLINICAL INDICATORS OF OXIDANT DAMAGE

F-2-isoprostanes are prostanoids produced independently of cyclooxygen ase by free radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid contain ing lipids. Quantification of F-2-isoprostanes from biological fluids and tissues represents an important advance in the detection and measu rement of lipid peroxidation in vivo. In addition, the biophysical eff ects of isoprostane-containing lipids and the biological effects of fr ee isoprostanes provide potential mechanisms for oxidant stress-relate d alterations in homeostasis. F-2-isoprostane measurement in experimen tal models of free radical-induced injury and human disease may allow better design and evaluation of antioxidant therapeutic strategies.