How do antioxidants prevent DNA damage and cell death?
In cells, Fe2+ and Cu+ react with hydrogen peroxide to form hydroxyl radical, a highly reactive species that damages DNA. This DNA damage is an underlying cause of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, as well as many cancers. Antioxidants prevent hydroxyl radical from damaging DNA, and are of interest to treat and prevent these diseases. Selenium and sulfur compounds are well-known antioxidants. In clinical trials, patients given selenium supplements have significantly lowered their cancer risk. The goal of our research is to provide a chemical explanation for clinical observations of selenium and sulfur antioxidant activity. In addition to selenium and sulfur antioxidants, we also examine the antioxidant activity of polyphenol antioxidants found in fruit, vegetables, and teas. Using gel electrophoresis, we recently discovered that all three classes of antioxidants prevent metal-mediated DNA damage through iron or copper coordination. Currently we are testing a variety of ant
