Isoprostane Generation and Function

Free radicals are reactive chemical species containing one or more unpaired electrons in their outer orbitals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a term used to describe chemically reactive, oxygen-containing molecules including oxygen-centered free radicals as well as oxygen ions and peroxides. ROS are also generated from exogenous genotoxic sources, including UV radiation, environmental toxicants, cigarette smoke, and other chemical carcinogens. ROS have important biological functions. Low tomoderate levels of ROS have been shown to play a key role in mediating signal transduction and normal physiological processes. A series of antioxidant defense mechanisms have been developed to maintain redox homeostasis and protect cells against free radical-induced oxidative damage. It is important to note that during the formation of F 2-IsoPs the initial abstraction of any bisallylic hydrogen atom from arachidonic acid is equally likely.