Free radicals and their role in chronic-degenerative diseases
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: A free radical is an atom or molecule that contains an unpaired electron in its outer orbital. In a normal body chemistry burning aerobic metabolism produces highly reactive oxidants such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and others, which can also be generated by other factors such as environmental pollution, consumption of tobacco, processed foods, medications, or exposure to pesticides. Under physiological conditions, the body neutralizes free radicals with antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, among others. If the ability to control oxidative substances antioxidant systems is overcome by changing the balance in favor of establishing the oxidation and in consequence oxidative stress, which can cause extensive damage to cells and biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides and lipids. We now know that oxidative stress contributes to inflammatory cell and endothelial dysfunction, this last one considered the major risk factor for
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2205215670