Hydrogen peroxide tissue damage

Several powerful oxidants are produced during the course of metabolism, in both blood cells and most other cells of the body. These include superoxide (02 ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxyl radicals (ROO ), and hydroxyl radicals (OH ). The last is a particularly reactive molecule and can react with proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and other molecules to alter their structure and produce tissue damage. The reactions listed in Table 52-4 play an important role in forming these oxidants and in disposing of them each of these reactions will now be considered in turn. 

Figure 6.10 Production of various reactive oxygen species, the role in tissue damage, and their detoxication and toxication. Reactive species shown are hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radical.

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