Hydroxyl Free Radicals

Also known as:  Hydroxy Free Radicals

Hydroxyl Free Radicals are possibly the most toxic type of Free Radical.

Chemical Symbol:         HO

Aging Process

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals stimulate the Cross-Linking of endogenous Proteins (an integral causative factor in the progression of the Aging Process).

Cells

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals can attack any organic substance found in Cells:

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals (if generated near endogenous DNA) can cause mutations of Guanine (they convert Guanine to 8-Hydroxyguanine and other mutated products).

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals damage the Mitochondria.  ^[1]

Light

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals account for much of the damage associated with Radiation.

Musculoskeletal System

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals are the principal Free Radical involved in Arthritis:

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals are responsible for much of the pain of Gout.

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals are implicated in Rheumatoid Arthritis (due to their ability rupture Lysosomes, allowing the release of excessive quantities of Acid Hydrolases which damage the Synovial Fluid and Cartilage present in Joints).  ^[2]

Nervous System

 Excessive generation of Hydroxyl Free Radicals occurs during the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).  ^[3]

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals disrupt and decrease the generation of Nerve Impulses in the Hippocampus of the Brain (probably by causing Oxidation of NMDA Receptors in the Hippocampus).

 Excessive generation of Hydroxyl Free Radicals in the Brain can cause Memory impairment and interfere with Learning ability.

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals function as Neurotoxins in that they are capable of destroying many types of Neurons:

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals are the means by which other Neurotoxins (such as MPP+) destroy Dopaminergic Neurons in the Substantia Nigra region of the Brain (the underlying cause of Parkinson’s Disease).

Skin

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals are responsible for the damage that occurs in Bruising.

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals may be involved in the intiation of Liver Spots.

Amino Acids

 Excessive L-Dopa increases the production of Hydroxyl Free Radicals.  ^[4]

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Exposure to Gamma-Rays stimulates the generation of Hydroxyl Free Radicals.  ^[5]

 Exposure to Radioactivity causes the production of Hydroxyl Free Radicals within the body (by “splitting” the body’s Water content).

 Exposure to X-Rays stimulates the generation of Hydroxyl Free Radicals.  ^[6]