Since the discovery that selenium is an integral component of the active site of the mammalian glu-tathione peroxidase, four members of the glutathione peroxidase family have been characterised: classical cellular glu-tathione peroxidase, gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase; plasma glutathione peroxidase and phospholipid hydroperox-ide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx). They are products of different genes and have different specificities on hydrogenperoxide and lipid hydroperoxides, the latter are generated by free radicals and can damage cell membranes and disruptcellular functions. Interestingly, PHGPx is not only active on phospholipid hydroperoxide, but also active on thyminehydroperoxide (a model compound for DNA damage) and protein hydroperoxides. This review highlights the role ofPHGPx in protection against peroxidative damage of lipids, protein and DNA.