2-Hexadecenal Regulates ROS Production and Induces Apoptosis in Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes

2-Hexadecenal (2-HD)—a biologically active long-chain fatty aldehyde formed in organism enzymatically or nonenzymatically in the reaction of free-radical destruction of sphingolipids under the action of hypochlorous acid, producing by myeloperoxidase. This research aimed to study 2-HD effects on polymorphonuclear leukocytes’ (PMNLs) functions. It has been shown that at submicromolar concentrations, 2-HD causes an elevation in ROS production by PMNLs. It has been found that such effect is associated with signal transduction pathways modification and expressed in elevation of NADPH oxidase, MPO, and JNK-MAPK contributions to this process. At higher concentrations, 2-HD induces apoptosis, which correlates with a significant increase in free Ca 2+ in the cytoplasm, a decrease in ROS production, and a decline in mitochondrial potential. Both of these processes are accompanied by cytoskeleton reorganization.