Determination of lipoxygenase activity in hake liver

Abstract

Different studies were conducted to confirm the presence of active lipoxygenases in hake liver. These enzymes may be responsible for the rapid oxidation of oil contained in the liver. Incubation of a solution of free fatty acids obtained from sunflower oil with an aqueous extract obtained from hake liver resulted in a steady increase in the concentration bof hydroperoxides. A linear correlation was determined between extract concentration and the rate of oxidation of free fatty acids. The addition of antioxidants led to a sharp reduction in the rate of oxidation. The lipoxygenase activity in hake liver was found to be 100,000 times smaller than for soybeans –as determined under the same experimental conditions. Optimum activity was found in the pH range of 8.0 to 8.5.

Keywords

• hake
• lipoxygenase
• oxidation