Effects of vitamin D3 and ecdysterone on free-radical lipid peroxidation.

Free-radical-induced lipid peroxidation was studied in vivo by measuring chemiluminescence of tissues from vitamin D-deficit animals before and after peroral administration of low-molecular-weight biological steroids vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and ecdysterone. The kinetics of lipid chemiluminescence in model systems in vitro were determined in blood serum and microsomal and mitochondrial fractions of the liver. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and ecdysterone displayed antiradical properties; the latter was more potent in this respect. Oxidation of lipids by hydroxyl groups contained in ecdysterone can account for its antiradical effect. Ecdysterone and D3 may cause antiradical effects through the same mechanisms.