Oxygen free radicals and their clinical implications.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in a variety of pathological processes. The generation of highly reactive oxygen metabolites is an integral feature of normal cellular metabolism (mitochondrial respiratory chain, phagocytosis, arachidonic acid metabolism, ovulation and fertilization), however their production can multiply during pathological circumstances. Free oxygen radicals act either on the extracellular matrix or directly upon cellular membranes themselves. The fundamental defense of the organism against ROS include scavenger enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and lipid- and water soluble antioxidant compound (ascorbic acid, glutathione, albumin, transferrin, etc.). Their role in ischemia-reperfusion models have now been comprehensively investigated and it has become clear that ROS is to be blamed for the bulk of post-ischemic injuries, hence the basis for newly established antioxidant therapy in such cases. Also more and more studies have concluded a pivotal role of ROS in degenerative and inflammatory conditions, post-radiation processes and aging. Therefore it seems as we are continuously shedding light on the crucial part played by these molecules regarding a wide range of pathologies, we are discovering new therapeutic windows that would clinically assist us in managing such conditions.
Róth
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Department of Experimental Surgery, University Medical School of Pécs, Hungary.
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D019069:Cell Respiration / Q000502:physiology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000378:metabolism; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D007511:Ischemia / Q000378:metabolism; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000502:physiology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000502:physiology; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000378:metabolism; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism; D014168:Transferrin / Q000378:metabolism
D000418:Albumins; D000975:Antioxidants; D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D014168:Transferrin; D002374:Catalase; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005978:Glutathione; D001205:Ascorbic Acid