Free radicals

- Highly unstable oxygen molecules that contributing to cancer , atherosclerosis ,

cataract
- Originate from body burning fuel for energy)/ environmental exposure to carcinogenic
chemicals(tars in cigarette smoke)/ damaging radiation (UV light, electromagnetic
waves)

Effects :

 Damage body tissue by oxidizing blood fats (LDL)→make up cell membrane

&DNA
 > free radicals, heart disease & tumor formation may be resulted
 Blockage of artery (free radical oxidized LDL, WBC engulf oxidized LDL, become
LDL-bloated WBC, artery wall become a bulge, block the artery)
 Pathway for the regulatory hormone that control organic function of cell are
disturbed ( free radical damage cell wall)
 Promote the development of cancer ( free radical damage DNA distort the
blueprint for the next generation)

** as long as free radicals & antioxidant in balance,  problem occurs

** cancer occur: cell replication is disturbed (oncogene=cancer time-bombs were

dormant)→cell replication & malignant cell are created in an uncontrolled ways → tumor
formed

** healthy immune system can help to identify & deactivate some form of malignant cancer cell
(lymphocytes)

** antioxidant defense against excess level of free radical & the damage that they cause

→antioxidant: vitamin C, E beta-carotene, several minerals

Deficiency:

1. Vitamin A : ↓ number of circulating lymphocytes

2. Vitamin C : impait protein synthesis, ↓ wound healing
3. Iron, folic acid, zinc, riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), magnesium: depress the immune defence

Essential for making antibodies