Free Radicals and Their Relation to Diseases and Protection Against Them

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that possess unpaired electrons, making them unstable and causing damage to macromolecules such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. The accumulation of free radicals and oxidative stress has been linked to the development of various metabolic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Understanding the mechanisms by which free radicals damage macromolecules is crucial in elucidating the pathogenesis of these diseases. This chapter focuses on the mechanisms through which free radicals induce damage to macromolecules and the subsequent implications for multiple metabolic disorders. Free radicals initiate chain reactions, leading to lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and DNA damage, which disrupt cellular functions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are the major types of free radicals involved in these processes. Moreover, endogenous and exogenous antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting against oxidative damage. Endogenous antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, function as defense mechanisms within the body to neutralize free radicals and maintain redox balance. Exogenous antioxidants, obtained through dietary sources or supplements, also contribute to reducing oxidative stress and preventing the onset or progression of various diseases. This chapter further discusses the interplay between free radicals, macromolecular damage, and multiple metabolic disorders, highlighting the role of antioxidants in disease prevention and management. Understanding the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress-induced damage and the protective effects of antioxidants is essential for the development of therapeutic strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of free radicals.