FREE RADICALS AND CRONIC DISEASES

DEFINITION

Are molecules or atoms that have unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive and unstable. They seek to stabilize themselves by stealing electrons from other molecules, leading to a chain reaction of molecular damage.

Key characteristics

1. Unpaired electrons: The defining features of free radicals is that they have one or more unpair electrons in their outer shell
2. Reactivity: Due to their instability, free radicals can react quickly with other substance, including DNA, proteins and lipids, potentially course damage
3. Types:
4. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): A common type of free radical that include superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (. OH)
5. Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS): These include nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-)

EFFECTS OF FREE RADICALS

Cellular damage

1. DNA Damage: Free radicals can cause mutations in DNA, potentially leading to cancer and other genetic disorders
2. Protein Damage: They can alter the structure and function of proteins, thus disrupting cellular processes
3. Lipid Peroxidation
4. Membrane Damage: Free radicals can attack lipids in cell membranes, leading to increased permeability, loss of function and cell death.
5. Formation of Reactive Products: This process generates byproducts like malondialdehyde (MDA), which can further propagate oxidative damage.
6. Inflammation
7. Chronic Inflammation: Free radicals can activate inflammatory pathways, contributing to chronic inflammatory disease, such as arthritis and atherosclerosis
8. Aging:
9. Accelerated aging: Accumulation of oxidative damage over time is linked to aging processes and age-relative diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons disease.
10. Chronic Diseases
11. Cardiovascular Disease: Oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction, plaque formation, and arterial stiffening, increasing the risk of heart disease
12. Cancer: DNA mutations caused by oxidative damage can initiate tumorigenesis and cancer progression
13. Diabetes: Oxidative stress is implicated in insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
14. Organ Dysfunctions
15. Liver Damage: Increased oxidative stress can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver and cirrhosis
16. Kidney Damage: It can contribute to renal dysfunction and conditions like chronic kidney disease.
17. Neurological Effects
18. Cognitive Decline: Oxidative damage in brain cells is associated with cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases
19. Mood Disorders: Imbalances can influence neurochemical systems, potentially contributing to depression and anxiety.

POTENTIAL CAUSES OF FREE RADICALS

1. Metabolic processes: (30%)
2. Cellular Respiration: During energy production in mitochondria, some oxygen molecules can become partially reduced, forming reactive oxygen species (ROS)
3. Inflammation: Immune cells produce free radicals to combat pathogens, which can also lead to tissue damage if uncontrolled
4. Environmental Factors: (25%)
5. Pollution: Exposure to air pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matters, can generate free radicals
6. UV Radiations: Sunlight can cause skin cell to produce ROS, leading to skin damage and aging
7. Radiations: Ionizing radiation can directly ionize molecules in cells, creating free radicals
8. Lifestyle Factors: (25%)
9. Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains numerous free radicals and compounds that promote oxidative stress
10. Alcohol Consumption: Ethanol metabolism generate free radicals and depletes antioxidants in the body
11. Poor Diet: Diets low in antioxidants and high in processed foods can lead to increased oxidative stress
12. Chemical Exposure: (10%)
13. Pesticides and Herbicides: Some agricultural chemical can generate free radicals.
14. Industrial Chemicals; certain solvents and pollutants can contribute to oxidative stress
15. Biological Factors: (10%)
16. Aging: As organisms age, the efficiency of antioxidant defenses may decline, increasing free radical production
17. Diseases: conditions like diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases can enhance oxidative stress

STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE FREE RADICAL PRODUCTION

1. Metabolic Processes;
2. Strategy: Enhance antioxidants defences through diet (e.g fruits, vegetables, nuts) and regular exercise, which can improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress
3. Environmental Factors:
4. Strategy: Limit exposure to pollutants by using air purifiers, wearing sunscreen to protect against UV radiation, and minimizing time in high-pollution areas
5. Lifestyle factors:
6. Strategy.
   1. Quit Smoking: Seek support program and resources
   1. Quit or Limit alcohol: Moderate intake and consider alcohol-free day
   1. Healthy diet: Adopt a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (e.g Vitamins C and E, flavonoids)
7. Chemical Exposure:
8. Strategy: Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals by using organic products, proper ventilation when using cleaning agents, and wearing protective gear when necessary
9. Biological Factors:
10. Strategy:
11. Manage Health Conditions: Regular check-up and management of chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, obesity) though lifestyle changes
12. Stay Active: Engage in physical activity to support overall health and enhance antioxidant capacity.

Overall Strategies

• Antioxidant Supplements: Consult with healthcare provider before use, as excessive supplementation can sometimes be harmful.
• Hydration: Maintain proper hydration to support cellular functions
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reduce techniques (e.g. mindfulness, yoga) to lower the oxidative burden

Prepared by HERBAL-TECH TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED