reviewCell Death DiscoveryJan 24, 2025GOLD OA

Free radicals and their impact on health and antioxidant defenses: a review

Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology · Korea University of Science and Technology · +3 more institutions

PubMed
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Abstract

Free radicals, characterized by the presence of unpaired electrons, are highly reactive species that play a significant role in human health. These molecules can be generated through various endogenous processes, such as mitochondrial respiration and immune cell activation, as well as exogenous sources, including radiation, pollution, and smoking. While free radicals are essential for certain physiological processes, such as cell signaling and immune defense, their overproduction can disrupt the delicate balance between oxidants and antioxidants, leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress results in the damage of critical biomolecules like DNA, proteins, and lipids, contributing to the pathogenesis of…

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