Neurofurans are 22-carbon compounds formed nonenzymatically by free radical mediated peroxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Docosahexaenoic acid

Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain and retina. In chemical structure, DHA is a carboxylic acid with a 22-carbon chain and six cis double bonds; the first double bond is located at the third carbon from the omega end...

, an ω-3

Omega-3 fatty acid

N−3 fatty acids are essential unsaturated fatty acids with a double bond starting after the third carbon atom from the end of the carbon chain....

 essential fatty acid

Essential fatty acid

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them...

. The neurofurans are similar to the isofuran

Isofuran

Isofurans are nonclassic eicosanoids formed nonenzymatically by free radical mediated peroxidation of arachidonic acid. The isofurans are similar to the isoprostanes and are formed under similar conditions, but contain a substituted tetrahydrofuran ring...

s and are formed under similar conditions of oxidative stress

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress represents an imbalance between the production and manifestation of reactive oxygen species and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage...

, containing a substituted tetrahydrofuran

Tetrahydrofuran

Tetrahydrofuran is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with low viscosity at standard temperature and pressure. This heterocyclic compound has the chemical formula 4O. As one of the most polar ethers with a wide liquid range, it is a useful solvent. Its main use, however, is as a precursor...

 ring. Measurement of the neurofurans may ultimately prove useful in diagnosis, timing and selection of dose in the treatment and chemoprevention of neurodegenerative disease.