Strecker-type degradation produced by the lipid oxidation products 4,5-epoxy-2-alkenals.

Strecker degradation is one of the most important reactions leading to final aroma compounds in the Maillard reaction. In an attempt to clarify whether lipid oxidation products may be contributing to the Strecker degradation of amino acids, this study analyzes the reaction of 4,5-epoxy-2-alkenals with phenylalanine. In addition to N-substituted 2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)pyrroles and N-substituted pyrroles, which are major products of the reaction, the formation of both the Strecker aldehyde phenylacetaldehyde and 2-alkylpyridines was also observed. The aldehyde, which was produced at 37 degrees C-as could be determined by forming its corresponding thiazolidine with cysteamine-and pH 6-7, was not produced when the amino acid was esterified. This aldehyde is suggested to be produced through imine formation, which is then decarboxylated and hydrolyzed. This reaction also produces a hydroxyl amino derivative, which is the origin of the 2-alkylpyridines identified. All these data indicate that Strecker-type degradation of amino acids is produced at 37 degrees C by some lipid oxidation products. This is a new proof of the interrelations between lipid oxidation and Maillard reaction, which are able to produce common products by analogue mechanisms.