Trace elements as constituents of antioxidative proteins
Journal Title: Journal of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research - Year 2008, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
The human body is under constant attack by free radicals (reactive oxygen species – ROS). Free radicals are highly reactive molecules generated by biochemical redox reactions which occur as a part of regular cell metabolism, and originate under the influence of some external causes, such as ultraviolet light, cigarette smoke, environment pollution, gamma radiation or some pharmacological agents. ROS trigger macromolecular damage inside the cell (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids). Over the centuries of evolution, organisms have created defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species. The role of those mechanisms, among other things, is to stop free radical chain reactions, block any reaction of oxygen free radicals with compounds vital for the organism, and cleanse the body of the effects of free radical reactions with body molecules. The defence system of the organisms consists of enzymes whose task is to decompose radical compounds, binding proteins which transport and store metal ions, and enzymes which have the role of repairing the damage caused by free radicals. Trace elements support the antioxidative system within the organism. Their activity consists in blocking chain reactions of free radicals, as well as controlling the reaction of free radicals with the components of the organism. As co-enzyme ingredients and structural elements of macromolecules, they also act as metabolism regulators.
Authors and Affiliations
Bolesław Floriańczyk
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP58590
- DOI -
- Views 100
- Downloads 0
Effect of eradication of Helicobacter pylori in rheumatoid arthritis patients
[i]Helicobactor pylori (H. pylori)[/i] is suspected to be one of the factors triggering rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of [i]H. pylori[/i] eradication on inflammatory disease activ...
Clinical considerations on the relationship between epilepsy and cardiovascular diseases
There have been reports regarding higher risk of unexpected death in epileptic patients. The aim of this review is to investigate causes of epilepsy-related death with special attention to cardiovascular mechanisms. Due...
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) – molecular, viral and bacterial concepts
Head and neck cancers constitute the sixth most common malignant tumours worldwide, and are one of the majors problems of global public health. In the oral cavity there are several types of oral cancers, but around 90% a...
Pulmonary embolism associated with oral contraceptive use – Case report
A 25-year-old female patient with a history of oral contraceptive use was admitted to hospital because of exertional dyspnoea, palpitations, chest discomfort and weakness. Since the clinical presentation was suggestive o...
Physical activity in perimenopausal women
[b]Introduction.[/b] The menopausal age of women is characterized by a high probability of health problems related with oestrogen deficiency and reduced ovarian hormonal activity. The most significant element in the ther...