Significance of Free Radical
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and are implicated in various health issues, including cancer, inflammation, and aging. These highly reactive substances are produced during normal metabolic processes and can disrupt cellular integrity when levels exceed antioxidant defenses. Environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyles can increase free radical production, leading to oxidative stress and a range of diseases. Antioxidants are essential in counteracting the harmful effects of free radicals, preventing cellular damage and promoting health.
Synonyms: Reactive species, Unpaired electron, Oxidant, Free radical species, Reactive oxygen species, Reactive nitrogen species
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The concept of Free Radical in scientific sources
Free Radical refers to unstable molecules that contribute to oxidative stress, damaging body tissues and influencing diseases, particularly affecting diabetic patients and accelerating aging through cellular damage.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) These are substances that are present in cigarette smoke and, when inhaled, can contribute to the disruption of the body's natural defense mechanisms and induce oxidative stress.[1] (2) Radicals that NO allows to scavenge, but under pathological conditions, such as infection, varicocele or diabetes mellitus, excessive NO production can cause sperm toxicity.[2] (3) These are unstable molecules that can damage cells, and antioxidants work by neutralizing these molecules to prevent harm, and the study investigated this activity.[3] (4) These are unstable molecules that can cause damage, and can contribute to injury after ischemia-reperfusion events.[4] (5) Free radical is a molecule that has an unpaired electron, and it is studied in the context of Parkinson’s disease, particularly with respect to its role in cellular damage.[5]