Importance of Free Radicals

Only relatively recently has importance of free radicals gained widespread acceptance. This may be the result of the compounds' inherent intangibility. They are generally shortlived, hard to work with, and difficult to study. Regardless though, it is now confirmed that low levels of free radicals are normally produced as a consequence of metabolic activity. It is also known that the compounds serve as potent biochemical mediators in a number of physiologic roles. However, their great catabolic potential does require focus and control. Unrestrained free radicals can significantly damage biological systems. To counteract such deleterious effects, defenses have evolved. Under normal circumstances, animal cells typically maintain an intricate balance between the generation of free radicals and antioxidant defenses.

Free radicals can be defined as any "chemical species possessing an unpaired electron" (1:482). These compounds generally contain oxygen and are highly reactive. They can be positively charged, negatively charged, or electrically neutral. Because of their unpaired electrons, free radicals may also be thought of as molecular fragments. To name a few, hydroxyl, peroxy, hypochlorite, superoxide, and alkoxy radicals are all considered to be free radicals; moreover, there are carboncentered and sulphurcentered free radicals as well. While hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen are not free radicals, they are "reactive oxygen species" and are a

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e such compound is carbon tetrachloride. Through the action of liver cytochrome P450, the carbon tetrachloride molecule is metabolized to a trichloromethyl free radical. The production of this radical eventually overwhelms the liver's antioxidant defenses. The result is typically destruction of cellular membranes with significant tissue damage (1:486). While endogenous sources of free radicals may have the greatest physiological impact, exogenous sources occur as well. Certain pollutants, organic solvents, anesthetics, and pesticides have been found to contain the compounds (5:77). Tobacco smoke is also a known source of free radicals. It has additionally been found that some compounds are metabolized to free radical intermediate products. Moreover, certain exogenous environments may produce free radicals. Exposure to hyperoxic environments, for example, has been associated with oxidative tissue damage (2:442). Free radical formation may also occur within tissues exposed to radiation (6:27). The different free radical species each have varying capacities to exert harmful effects on biological systems. One relatively benign compound, superoxide, is primarily important as both a source of hydrogen peroxide and a reduc

Category: Science - I