I would like to measure the oxidative stress in a mosquito. I plan to measure the total anti-oxidant capacity and at least one damage (on DNA, proteins or lipids). Among DNA, proteins and lipids, which one is the most susceptible to oxidation?
I believe that lipids (unsaturates) are the most susceptible biomolecules to oxidation. Protein sulfhydryl groups are also easily changed by redox imbalance. There are transcriptional factors, such as nfr2, that are redox sensitive to sulfhydryl alterations.
Even though lipids are most susceptible, they are also very unstable. Suggestion is to include one more biomolecule damage (protein or DNA) beside LPO.
This looks very dependent on whether or not anti-oxidant systems are available. Lipid peroxidation is a major problem but vitamin E and other fat-soluble antioxidants are protecting against that mean the lipids may not be the primary problem in normal status with anti-oxidants. DNA is susceptible especially in mitochondria that presumably lead to deletion during aging. Most devastating oxidative stress is produced by immune systems to kill pathogens that I would think it most susceptible at the expense of defending our body. These include NADPH oxidase and leading pathways that could result in a wide variety of pathophysiologic outcomes. The deleterious outcomes are seen especially in some health conditions. Some references of many are:
Article NADPH oxidase, oxidative stress and fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis
Article The role of oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase in the pathog...
Article Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and NADPH Oxidase: Impl...