THERMAL-DESORPTION GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF ETHANE AND PENTANE IN BREATH AS POTENTIAL MARKERS OF LIPID-PEROXIDATION

Formation of free radicals and lipoperoxidation occur at the onset of cellular damage. These effects are produced during normal metabolism a nd in pathological states. The peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty a cids, i.e. linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are both cellular m embrane compounds, induces ethane and pentane formation in pulmonary a ir exhalation. These two volatile hydrocarbons can be considered as po tential lipoperoxidation markers. Methodological difficulties limit th e use of these gases for assessment of free oxygen radical activity bu t we have developed and validated a non-invasive technique. A study wa s performed with ten healthy volunteers.