The New Straits Times, December 4, 1995
Q: What are free radicals and how to they produce toxic effects?
A: Chemical compounds contain two or more elements that are bound together by a chemical bond. In most cases, the bonding involves negatively charged electrons. The arrangement of the electrons determines the stability of the compound. A stable compound has paired electrons. If an electron is unpaired, the molecule becomes reactive and more unstable than the parent compound. A compound or element with one or more unpaired electrons is called a free radical.
Even though free radicals are very reactive, they are actually important for normal physiological processes. However, excess free radicals can be deleterious to the body.
As they are chemically unstable, free radicals tend to extract an electron from a stable compound which in turn is transformed into a new free radical. This chain reaction goes on until it is stopped by chemicals known as antioxidants. Examples of antioxidants are the metalloenzymes that are constantly manufactured in the body. Unfortunately, as one grows older, the level of metalloenzmes tends to decrease.
Free radicals easily form bonds with the protein in the tissue, so much so that this life-giving component is deformed and unable to perform its rejuvenating functions.
The damage to cells and tissues is what we recognise as ageing. Without adequate protection from free radicals, we are very likely to age faster and develop stiff joints and wrinkled skin sooner.
Free radicals may also play a part in the degenerative diseases normally associated with ageing such as arthritis, circulatory disorders, diabetes, liver damage and atherosclerosis.
Antioxidants like Vitamins C and Vitamin E are thought to have anti-ageing properties. However, scientific studies have shown that the required dose may be too high. Extensive research is being actively carried out to finds more efficacious agents to retard the ageing process.
