Skip to main content
Figure 2 | Journal of Translational Medicine

Figure 2

From: Targeting the inflammation in HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: a role in the prevention and treatment

Figure 2

Reactive oxygen species. Cells generate aerobic energy by reducing molecular oxygen (O2) to water. During the metabolism of oxygen, superoxide anion (.O2) is formed in presence of NADPH P450 reductase. After superoxide dismutase (SOD) is added to the system, superoxide undergoes dismutation to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is converted by glutathione peroxidase or catalase to water. MPD (myeloperoxidase) converts H2O2 in neutrophils to hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a strong oxidant that acts as a bactericidal agent in phagocytic cells. During a Fenton reaction, Fe2+ is oxided to Fe3+ and H2O2 is converted in the highly reactive hydroxyl radical ·OH. This radical is involved in lipid peroxidation, DNA and protein oxidation.

Back to article page