Bioingeniøren (Apr 2010)
Oxygen – friend or foe? Formation and elimination of reactive oxygen substances in the body
Abstract
Background: All aerobic organisms are dependent on oxygen for efficient energy production, however, oxygen is also the source of potentially detrimental reactive oxygen species (ROS). How are ROS produced and how are they eliminated from the body? What is oxidative stress and how harmful is it? Are there any good detection methods for oxidative stress and if so, which should be used? Material and method: This article is based on a non-systematic literature search and own scientific experiences. Results and interpretation: ROS is produced in normal physiology where it functions in normal cell signalling. Oxidative stress results in oxidative damage of biomolecules that is seen in aging and a series of different diseases. Detection of ROS represents a challenge because of the lack of stability of biomarkers that predict disease, among others. Furthermore the body’s adaptive mechanisms make it difficult to transfer results from cell studies to clinical practice. Whether exogenously supplied antioxidants are the way to go to prevent disease or prolong life by other means is still not clear.
