Isoprostanes: new markers of oxidative stress. Fundamental and clinical data

A novel family of prostaglandin F2 isomers, called F2-isoprostanes, produce d in large quantities in vivo by a free radical peroxidation of arachidonic acid, has recently been described. The quantification of the two major iso forms (isoprostaglandin F2alpha type-ill and VI) in biological fluids and t issues as markers of lipid peroxidation appears to be an important advance in our ability to explore the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of human disease. In addition, F2-isoporstanes quantification seems promising as intermediate endpoints for clinical studies of antioxidant therapies. (C ) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.