AN INTRODUCTION TO OXYGEN-FREE RADICALS

Oxygen free radicals are byproducts from the fundamental metabolic act ivities within the body. Normally, radicals are neutralized by enzymat ic activity or natural antioxidants. Thus the generation of free radic als poses no problem so long as the balance between oxygen radical pro duction and eradication remains in balance. There are multiple medical conditions, such as myocardial infarction, carcinogenesis, and neurol ogic trauma, to name a few, that may be aggravated by the presence of oxygen free radicals. This article will present an overview of oxygen free radicals: their normal formation and control and how they might f urther injure tissue in particular diseases. The implications for heal th care professionals are highlighted.