It is believed that free radicals may attack several organs to induce aging and many disorders, including cancer, diabetes and arteriosclerosis. [1][2][3][4][5] This theory, based on the action of the free radicals, is supported by a great deal of research. Free radicals and other oxidants produced at sites of inflammation will, if not controlled, attack the tissues of the host. In addition, metal-containing proteins, for example hemoglobin, are released from lysed erythrocytes at sites of inflammation, and the iron or other metals contained in these proteins can react with free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) through a series of reactions called the modified Haber-Weiss or Fenton reaction, to generate other, more toxic, oxidant species such as hydroxyl radicals.
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