The interaction of ROS with cellular membranes
breaks polyunsaturated fatty acids by the successive generation of free radicals. When ROS interact with fatty acid of the membrane
frees a lipid radical, that interact with oxygen, generating peroxide radical, which interacts with other molecules of fatty acid, originating
a hydroperoxide, and once more, breaking the lipid structure of the cellular membrane. The active form of vitamin E, the
α-tocopherol, neutralizes this chain reaction (represented by the block sign in red) because it donates hydrogen atoms to the free radicals
generated in this process. In Leprosy, it was observed an increase in the lipid peroxidation (LPO), and the treatment with vitamin
E associated with polychemotherapy reduced the LPO levels.