A method for the measurement of a diene-conjugated derivative of linoleic acid, 18:2(9,11), in serum phospholipid, and possible origins.

A method is described for the measurement of a diene-conjugated derivative of linoleic acid, 18:2(9,11), in the phospholipid fraction of serum. The method is based on enzymatic hydrolysis, solid-phase sample preparation, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Phospholipid esterified 18:2(9,11) can be detected in serum from normal individuals, and a provisional normal range is provided. The possible origins of 18:2(9,11) and the potential application of this method to the measurement of free radical damage to linoleic acid in vivo is discussed.