F2-isoprostanes and Its Metabolite and Breast Cancer Risk

Abstract

Free Radicals and F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs)

Free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as the causes for many human diseases or conditions, including cancer and many other age-related diseases.^1-3 However, previous studies have been primarily conducted in animal models³ and results remain controversial.^3,4  To develop a reliable non-invasive approach to measure human levels of oxidative stress has long been one of the most critical needs in free radical research.⁵  In 1990, Dr. Jackson Roberts, II and Dr. Jason Morrow, first discovered F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs), a unique series of prostaglandin (PG)-like compounds that are formed from the free-radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid in situ in phospholipids.⁶  In recent years, F₂-IsoPs have been widely utilized in many epidemiologic and clinical trial studies to evaluate level of lipid peroxidation, one central feature of oxidative stress and free radical damage.⁷  In 2005, a multi-lab validation study, the Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress Study, was organized by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).⁸  In the study, F₂-IsoPs has been found to be the most accurate oxidative stress biomarker⁹.