Chain Reactions -- Free Radicals Reasonably Simple Explanation

Lipid Peroxides: What Are They?

Lipid peroxides are the products of the chemical damage done by oxygen free radicals to the lipid components of cell membranes. This oxidative damage, caused by free radical pathology, is thought to be a basic mechanism underlying many diverse pathological conditions -- atherosclerosis, cancer, aging, rheumatic diseases, allergic inflammation, cardiac and cerebral ischemia, respiratory distress syndrome, various liver disorders, irradiation and thermal injury, and toxicity induced by certain metals, solvents, pesticides and drugs. A serum lipid peroxide level, therefore, measures the overall potential for oxygen free radical pathology, the risk for degenerative processes, and the need for compensatory antioxidant supplementation. High serum lipid peroxide levels indicate excessive oxygen free radical lipid peroxidation.

Mechanism Underlying Pathology

This fundamental process underlying pathological conditions demonstrates the widespread application of this concept to many different diseases. Chemically, a substance is oxidized when electrons are removed and reduced when electrons are added. All chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons. The body generates energy by gradually oxidizing its food in a controlled fashion and storing it in the form of chemical potential energy, ATP. This oxidation process removes electrons sequentially in a kind of bucket brigade, passing the electrons to their final recipient, molecular oxygen, forming water and generating ATP.

Ironically, this energy generation mechanism that is so essential to life can also set the stage for cell damage. The oxidation of foodstuffs is like a controlled fire that liberates energy but can also let sparks fly, giving rise to potential damage. The sparks in this analogy are free electrons escaping the transport system or electrons freed by lack of chain terminating oxygen (hypoxic conditions). These unpaired electrons readily form free radical molecules that are highly unstable and chemically reactive.

It is these free radical molecules which rapidly react with other molecules, setting off a chain reaction of radical formation similar to an atomic explosion. The unsaturated lipid molecules of cell membranes are particularly susceptible to this damaging reaction process and readily contribute to the uncontrolled chain reaction. However, other biological molecules are also susceptible to damage, including protein enzymes, DNA and RNA. Hence, in one process, all levels of cell function may be disrupted. This is why free radical pathology is thought to be such a basic mechanism of tissue injury and end stage pathology.

It is also clear that environmental agents may initiate free radical problems. The toxicity of lead, cadmium, pesticides, ionizing radiation, cigarette smoke, and alcohol may all be due to their free radical initiating ability.

Role of Antioxidants

To prevent the free radical chain propagation effect, the body uses antioxidants (chemical electron sinks) that quench the biochemical fire. The antioxidants include enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Vitamins A, C, and E, beta- carotene, and coenzyme Q10 are potent antioxidants which may be their principle role in the body. All these compounds help to control the propagation of free radical pathology in the tissues.

New Screen for Free Radical Pathology

A measure of total serum lipid peroxidation has proven to be a simple, inexpensive and accurate means of reflecting whole body free radical activity. This test is presently gaining general acceptance in the research laboratory as a simple, standard means of assessing the body's antioxidant capability or overall oxidative stress.

Part of the Comprehensive ION Program

By including this serum lipid peroxide analysis in the ION Program (Individualized Optimal Nutrition), it adds to the vital information regarding your total level of antioxidant protection and helps establish the big picture of your nutritional status.