Initiation of lipid peroxidation by a peroxidase/hydrogen peroxide/halide system.

A lactoperoxidase/H2O2/halide system caused the initiation of linoleate peroxidation as indicated by diene conjugation. Coupled lipid peroxidation was accelerated by iodide, chloride and bromide ions at pH 4.0 and 6.2. No peroxidation occurred in the presence of H2O2 or lactoperoxidase alone. The rate of linoleate peroxidation by lactoperoxidase in the presence of chloride depended on the concentration of H2O2. Linoleate peroxidation by the enzymatic system was inhibited by high concentration of H2O2 by methionine, tryptophan and BHT. Oxygen was absorbed during peroxidation and the major products were the 13-hydroperoxides. The mechanisms of the initiation of lipid peroxidation by a peroxidase/H2O2/halide system are discussed.