Free Radicals

[Guest guest]

" The University of Leicester has been selected as the hub of a worldwide network

of researchers to investigate one of the causes of cancer. The study into the

'smoking gun' trail of devastation caused to the body by substances known as

'free radicals' will also impact on our understanding of heart disease,

neurodegenerative disease and arthritis.

Dr Marcus Cooke, Senior lecturer in the Radiation and Oxidative Stress Section

at the University of Leicester, said: " Most of us have heard of free radicals,

and the benefits of antioxidants which mop them up - even if it is just from

cosmetics commercials. However, premature aging is just the tip of the iceberg

for their detrimental effects. Free radicals have been implicated in many

diseases. They are arguably the most prevalent cancer causing chemicals known.

" Free radicals are highly reactive, and can cause widespread damage to cells,

and in particular DNA - the cell's blueprint. Whilst it is very difficult to

measure free radicals themselves, we can measure this damage as a 'smoking gun'

signature of free radical activity.

" Being able to accurately and sensitively measure this damage will allow us to:

(1)- get a better understanding of the role of this damage in disease.

(2)- develop assays to determine disease risk, by measuring cell damage.

(3)- design strategies to prevent, or encourage repair, of this damage, and

hence prevent disease.

More at this website: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/85017.php

FYI,

Lottie