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Figure 2 | Molecular and Cellular Therapies

Figure 2

From: Polymeric nanocarriers for the treatment of systemic iron overload

Figure 2

Harmful redox cycling of iron. Iron (Fe) can participate in one electron oxidation and reduction reactions. This leads to the generation of harmful free radicals in the presence of oxygen. The hydroxide radical and hydroxide anion (OH) are produced when hydrogen peroxide reacts with ferrous iron. Ferric iron is in turn reduced by the superoxide radical (O2·-). Redox active or “labile” iron reacts with cellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) producing the hydroxyl radical (OH·), which perpetuates free radical production, ultimately increasing cellular reactive oxygen species generation. The resulting oxidative stress is associated with damage to cellular components and organs [7].

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