The free radical theory of ageing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21504/sajg.v7i2.152Abstract
The free radical theory of ageing hypothesizes that ageing is a consequence of incomplete inactivation of certain harmful toxins (called reactive oxygen species, or ROS) by the defence systems of the body. ROS are produced by the body as a direct consequence of its need for oxygen to survive. They are produced either accidentally, in the process of energy production, or deliberately, to annihilate bacteria and viruses. ROS produced in excess damage cell membranes, proteins and even DNA. It is hypothesized that the damage cannot always be reversed and hence causes the deterioration seen in the body during ageing.References
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Wong, C.T. & Saha, N. 1986. Effects of transferring genetic phenotypes on total iron-binding capacity. Acta Haemalologica, 75: 215-218.
Daniels, W.M.U., Van Rensburg, S.J., Van Zyl, J., Van der Wall, B.J. & Taljaard, J.J.F. 1996. The free radical scavenging effects of melatonin and serotonin: possible mechanism. NeuroReport, 7: 1593-1596.
Davies, L. 1990. Socioeconomic, psychological and educational aspects of nutrition in old age, Age and Ageing, 19: S37-42.
Fraser, D.R. 1985. Trace elements and vitamins in membrane function. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 44: 173-179.
Halliwell, B. 1997. Antioxidants and human disease: a general introduction. Nutrition Reviews, 55(1): (II) S44-S52.
Halliwell, B & Gutteridge J. M. C. 1985. Oxygen radicals and the nervous system. Trends in Neurosciences, 8: 22-26.
Hayflick, L, 1974. The longevity of cultured human cells. American Journal of the Geriatrics Society. 22: i -12.
Limson, J., Nyokong, T. & Daya, S. 1998. The interaction of melatonin and its precursors with aluminium, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc: an adsorptive voltammetric study. Journal of Pineal Research, 24: 15-21.
Namekata, K., Imagawa, M., Terashi, A., Ohta, S., Oyama, F. & lhara, Y. 1997. Association of transferrin C2 allele with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Human Genetics, 101(2): 126-129.
Reiter, R J., Guerrero, J.M., Escames, G., Pappoila, M.A. & AcunaCastroviejo, D. 1997. Prophylactic actions of melatonin in oxidative neurotoxicity. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 825: 70-78.
Smith, M.A., Sayre, L.M., Monnier, V.M. & Perry, G. 1995, Radical ageing in Alzheimers disease. Trends in Neurosciences, 18: 172-176.
Sohal, R.S., Ku, H. & Agarwal, S. 1993. Biochemical correlates of longevity in two closely related rodent species. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 196: 7-11,
Van Rensburg, S.J., Carstens, M.E,, Potocnik, F.C.V., Aucamp, A.K. & Taljaard, J.J. F. 1993. Increased frequency of the transferring C2 subtype in Alzheimers disease, NeuroReport, 4: 1269-1271.
Wong, C.T. & Saha, N. 1986. Effects of transferring genetic phenotypes on total iron-binding capacity. Acta Haemalologica, 75: 215-218.
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1998-10-01
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