Metabolism and cytotoxic effects of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide in human hepatoma HepG2 cells

In this study, we investigated cellular uptake and metabolism of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) in human hepatoma HepG2 cells by high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and then evaluated whether PCOOH or its metabolites cause pathophysiological effects such as cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Although we found that most PCOOH was reduced to PC hydroxide in HepG2 cells, the remaining PCOOH caused cytotoxic effects that may be mediated through an unusual apoptosis pathway. These results will enhance our fundamental understanding of how PCOOH, which is present in oxidized low density lipoproteins, is involved in the development of atherosclerosis. •Most phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) is reduced in HepG2 cells.•The remaining PCOOH causes cytotoxic effects.•The cytotoxic effects may be mediated through an unusual apoptosis pathway.