Neurofurans are 22-carbon compounds formed nonenzymatically by free radical mediated peroxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an ω-3

essential fatty acid Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them. Only two fatty acids are known to be essential for humans: alpha-linolenic ac ...

. The neurofurans are similar to the

isofuran Isofurans are nonclassic eicosanoids formed nonenzymatically by free radical mediated peroxidation of arachidonic acid Arachidonic acid (AA, sometimes ARA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid 20:4(ω-6), or 20:4(5,8,11,14). It is structura ...

s and are formed under similar conditions of

oxidative stress Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the systemic manifestation of reactive oxygen species and a biological system's ability to readily Detoxification, detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage. Disturbances ...

, containing a substituted

tetrahydrofuran Tetrahydrofuran (THF), or oxolane, is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)4O. The compound is classified as heterocyclic compound, specifically a cyclic ether. It is a colorless, water- miscible organic liquid with low viscosity. It is ...

ring. Measurement of the neurofurans may ultimately prove useful in diagnosis, timing, and selection of dosages in the treatment and chemoprevention of

neurodegenerative disease A neurodegenerative disease is caused by the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, in the process known as neurodegeneration. Such neuronal damage may ultimately involve cell death. Neurodegenerative diseases include amyotrophic ...

References

Docosanoids {{biochem-stub