What are the most important functions of oxygen?
essential for all aerobic organisms (oxidative phosphorylation
What happens to oxygen at high temps? body temp?
High = highly combustible Body = inert
What is oxidation?
loss of electrons leading to an increase in oxidation state
What is reduction?
gain of electrons leading to a decrease in oxidation state
What are ROS?
reactive oxygen species which are oxygen molecules (sometimes connected to other atoms) that have one lone e-
(partially reduced reactive forms of oxygen)
What are free radicals?
cluster of atoms, one of which contains unpaired electron in outermost shell of electrons
- quickly react with other molecules to obtain a stable configuration
What occurs in the reduction of O2?
1st reduction results in superoxide (O2 with free radical)
2nd reduction results in hydrogenate peroxide
Others include hydroxyl radical (OH), hypochlorite ion and hydroperoxyl radical
How are ROS formed?
When does oxidative stress occur?
when rate of ROS generation exceeds the ability to neutralize them
How do ROS damage cells?
lipid peroxidation
What are the physiological functions of ROS?
What are some defense mechanisms against ROS?
Where are ROS most prevalent?
in blood and tissues as hydrogen peroxide
What types of molecules are antioxidants?
Vitamins A, C and E and uric acid
What does glutathione peroxidase do?
reduces lipid peroxides through oxidizing glutathione
- very important in ROS defense
What are some important properties of the liver?
central role of metabolism, filtration of ingested materials and excretory functions
What are some markers of mild liver disease?
typically no outward symptoms. Detected only as biochemical changes
What are some markers of severe liver disease?
yellow pigmentation, bruising readily, profuse bleeding, abdomen distended with fluid
What problems can liver disease lead to?
endocrine, CNS, skin, cardiovascular and GI problems
What are some special features of the liver?
What plays a central role in glucose metabolism?
liver
How does the liver play a role in glucose metabolism?
Maintains circulating concentration of glucose
Why is the liver essential for glucose metabolism?
What are the liver plasma proteins?
albumin, coagulation factors, alpha and beta plasma globulins, acute phase proteins