Researchers have taken a first snapshot of how a class of highly
reactive molecules inflicts cellular damage as part of aging,
heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease and
Alzheimer's disease to name a few. According to a study
published today in the journal Cell, researchers have discovered
a tool that can monitor related damage and determine the degree
to which antioxidant drugs effectively combat disease. Reactive
oxygen species (ROS), which include free radicals, are highly
reactive molecules that force change upon many molecules they
encounter. The body uses ROS to signal for wound healing and to
destroy invaders. Excess amounts, however, damage sensitive cell
components, including proteins and DNA, in a process called
oxidative stress. ROS are kept in check by the body's natural
antioxidants, but when uncontrolled can lead to disease. These
highly reactive molecules are created as a side effect when
structures within all human cells, the mitochondria, use oxygen
to convert food into energ