Peroxidation begins with the abstraction of a hydrogen atom from a lipid molecule, typically polyunsaturated fatty acids, resulting in the formation of a lipid radical. This radical reacts with oxygen to form a lipid peroxyl radical, which can further react with other lipid molecules to propagate the chain reaction. The outcome is the production of lipid hydroperoxides, which can decompose into a variety of secondary products, such as aldehydes, that are harmful to cells.
