Superoxide Free Radicals

Also known as:  Superoxide Anion Free Radicals

Superoxide Free Radicals are a type of Free Radical (the chemical symbol for Superoxide Free Radicals is –O2)

Immune System

 Neutrophils generate Superoxide Free Radicals as part of their function as Phagocytes:

 Activated Phagocytes utilize Superoxide Free Radicals to destroy their target Antigens - Bacteria - Detrimental, Cancer cells and Viruses.

Cardiovascular System

 Superoxide Free Radicals may cause constriction of the Blood Vessels (i.e. vasoconstriction) and can therefore cause Hypertension.

Cells

 Superoxide Free Radicals may severely damage (cause mutations in) the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (especially Mitochondrial DNA) content of the body’s Cells.  ^[1]

 Superoxide Free Radicals may damage the Mitochondria of the the body’s Cells (by damaging Mitochondrial DNA).  ^[2]

Ears/Hearing

 Superoxide Free Radicals may be implicated in Age-Related Hearing Loss.  ^[3]

Hair

 Superoxide Free Radicals may be implicated in Hair Loss and Male Pattern Baldness:  ^[4]

 Superoxide Free Radicals may interfere with Nitric Oxide (which is regarded as a Hair Growth Factor) - Superoxide Free Radicals react with Nitric Oxide to form Nitroperoxides and other toxic Free Radical products such as Peroxynitrite Free Radicals.  Conversely, Nitric Oxide quenches Superoxide Free Radicals to form Peroxynitrite Free Radicals.

 Superoxide Free Radicals may issue instructions to Hair Follicles to cause them to transition from their Growth phase to the Hair Loss phase.

Metabolism

 Hydroxyl Free Radicals are formed as a result of Superoxide Free Radicals reacting with Hydrogen Peroxide.  ^[5]

 Superoxide Free Radicals react with Nitric Oxide to form Nitroperoxides and other toxic Free Radical products such as Peroxynitrite Free Radicals.

 Superoxide Free Radicals may oxidize Unsaturated Fatty Acids - resulting in the formation of Peroxidized Fats.

Musculoskeletal System

 Superoxide Free Radicals may be implicated in the development of Osteoporosis (Superoxide Free Radicals cause the activation of Osteoclasts).  ^[6]

 Superoxide Free Radicals may be 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).

 Superoxide Free Radicals destroy the major lubricant in the Synovial Fluid that surrounds the Joints - Hyaluronic Acid.

Nervous System

 Excessive generation of Superoxide Free Radicals may occur during the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - Superoxide Free Radicals damage Motor Nerves in ALS patients.

Skin

 Superoxide Free Radicals may cause the Cross-Linking of the Skin’s Collagen content.

Amines

 Canavanine may cause the production of Superoxide Free Radicals.