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Malonic dialdehyde in the blood
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Malonic dialdehyde in the blood is an unfavorable sign, since it indicates that active lipid peroxidation is occurring. Normally, there should be no more than 1 μmol/l of malonic dialdehyde in the blood serum. When free radicals break down polyunsaturated fatty acids, the oxidation process gets out of control and the resulting aldehyde begins to “glue” protein amino groups. Such harmful compounds are called lipofuscins – “aging” pigments. In principle, lipofuscin is also present in a young organism, namely in the heart muscle, in the cells of the adrenal glands and liver, in the kidneys, in the seminiferous tubules. With normal functioning of all metabolic processes, this pigment does not manifest itself, but if there are various chronic diseases that deplete the body, the level of lipofuscins increases significantly. This pigment is considered a slag, since it is a consequence of the final metabolic processes. Lipofuscin is not usually considered a clinical symptom, especially in young people. Rather, it is considered a cosmetic defect, which, by the way, can be neutralized with adequate antioxidant therapy. However, in combination with the fact that malondialdehyde in the blood can be elevated, the presence of pigment indicates possible intoxication, often latent, hidden
Stress caused by peroxidation means inflammation of the pancreas. The etiology of the process may be different, but the result is active activity of free radicals with insufficient and ineffective antioxidant function. LPO (lipid peroxidation) and antioxidant work should ideally be in physiological balance. If the balance is disturbed, then as a consequence malonic dialdehyde appears in the blood in increased concentration, which in turn leads to disruption of the integrity of cell membranes.
Malondialdehyde in the blood as an analytical test confirms the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, pancreatitis, acute intestinal obstruction, severe failure - pulmonary or hepatic, myocardial infarction and various types of intoxication.
Analysis for dialdehyde is prescribed for diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, ischemia of various organs and tissues. Malonic dialdehyde in the blood is also determined in order to adjust and check the effectiveness of antioxidant therapy. Malonic dialdehyde in the blood is also dangerous for people with suspected eye diseases. Moreover, the products of excessive oxidation destroy hemoglobin, the function and structure of the protein and provoke the development of lens pathology - cataracts.
Malonic dialdehyde in the blood is determined as an indicator by biochemical studies, there are different methods. Many laboratories use thiobarbituric acid, as well as other reagents. High concentrations of dialdehyde in the blood are quite successfully controlled by antioxidant therapy. The choice of drugs depends on the exact diagnosis, but after a course of treatment, malonic dialdehyde in the blood usually returns to normal.
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