Reactive Oxygen Species
Learn about These Harmful Molecules
During illness, the body obtains reactive oxygen species (ROS) from various sources, such as the mitochondrial respiratory electron transport chain, as well as the respiratory burst (the quick release of harmful oxygen species) that arises from neutrophil (white blood cell) activation.
Reactive Oxygen Species Explained
The surge of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be an extremely useful tool used in assessing the amount of oxidative stress a person is undergoing. When someone becomes ill (which is more likely to happen in aged persons) the neutrophils become increasingly activated to produce superoxide agents and a free radical named nitric oxide. ROS also increases as a result.
Improper balance of all these substances can eventually cause someone's cell membranes, which are the protective “barriers” in the cells’ defense systems, to slowly diminish in strength and impermeability. For numerous reasons, this can ultimately lead to mitochondrial damage and thus make way for disorders like cancer, hypertension, tissue inflammation, and heart failure.
Damage to DNA can also follow oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species modify cells and cause the DNA to change. This in turn, can cause genetic instability in humans over a long period of time. DNA modifications caused by oxidative changes are largely responsible for carcinogenesis (growth of cancer cells) diabetes and aging.
Furthermore, reactions of modified bases and sugars (that compose DNA) with radicals cause DNA strands to break. It is important to note that DNA repair mechanisms in the body can be disrupted due to one’s exposure to ROS.
Reactive Oxygen Species and Natural Health
People have natural defenses against ROS that can sometimes falter when excessive reactive oxygen species are produced. Antioxidant substances help to get rid of free radicals by accepting or donating electrons. This process is enhanced by the help of vitamin E, an example of a conjugated vitamin complex. Moreover, antioxidant molecules can be increased exogenously (externally derived) via a high intake of supplements and antioxidants, and this creates more conjugated vitamin compounds.
Vitamin E and C are exogenous antioxidants existing just about everywhere at the cellular level. They can be found either inside or outside the cell. They help to remove harmful ROS and stop them from the harmful effects it can cause. The inner side of the cell membrane needs a wide spectrum of different types of antioxidants. Vitamin E, which is fat soluble, is extremely necessary for our survival in this regard.
This vitamin specifically allows the membrane to retain its solidity and strength. In fact, all fat-soluble vitamins help to protect against cellular degeneration by constantly reinforcing lipids, the substance that comprises the major part of our cell membranes. They also get rid of free radicals created as byproducts of abnormal cellular processes.
The removal of free radicals by vitamin E allows for useful fatty acids located in the membranes to keep away from encounters with free radicals. Furthermore, vitamin C and other water-soluble vitamins help to rid reactive oxygen species in much the same way.
Naturally available antioxidants not related to the vitamin family, such as uric acid, fish oils, vegetables containing furan acids, and a compound named bilirubin also help to eradicate unwanted free radicals in the body.
More from this Author:
Complications of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Problems Found in the Achilles Tendon
References:
Bjelakovic G, et al. (2007). "Mortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: Systematic review and meta-analysis." JAMA. 297 (8); 842–857.
Muller, F. L., Lustgarten, M. S. et al. (2007). "Trends in oxidative aging theories." Free Radical Biology & Medicine. 43 (4): 477–503.
Reactive Oxygen Species
|
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles