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The following is a summary of “Terpene Hydroperoxides as Lipid Peroxidation Inducers: Biomimetic and HaCaT Cell Studies in Allergic Contact Dermatitis,” published in the May 2025 issue of Contact Dermatitis by Moore et al. 

Terpene hydroperoxides, oxidation products of fragrance terpenes in cosmetics and household products, were known contact allergens linked to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), with limited exploration of their role in lipid peroxidation (LPO).  

Researchers conducted a study to evaluate the capacity of terpene hydroperoxides derived from linalool (Lin-6/7-OOH), geraniol (Ger-6/7-OOH), and limonene (Lim-2-OOH) to induce LPO using liposomes in a biomimetic metal-catalyzed oxidation system.  

They identified and quantified LPO products using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and Tandem MS (MS/MS). The C11-BODIPY^581/591 ratio-fluorescence probe was employed to evaluate the capacity of terpene hydroperoxides to induce LPO in vitro, utilizing a human epidermal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT).  

The results showed that LC-MS/MS analysis identified 14 LPO products, both long-chain and short-chain, formed under metal-catalyzed oxidation mediated by terpene hydroperoxides. All hydroperoxides tested at 50 mM induced significant LPO, with Lim-2-OOH demonstrating an exceptionally high oxidizing potential. The C11-BODIPY^581/591 ratio-fluorescence assay further indicated higher oxidation associated with Lim-2-OOH.  

Investigators concluded that terpene hydroperoxide allergens demonstrated the ability to cause LPO, suggesting that LPO products might act as effectors in the pathogenesis of ACD. 

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.14804