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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
14:22
Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
Published on: April 15, 2013
Free radical oxidative damage and Alzheimer's disease
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona CA 91766-1854, USA. etuppo@westernu.edu
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|January 17, 2002
Summary
Oxidative damage from free radicals is increasingly linked to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Antioxidants like vitamin E may offer therapeutic benefits for this neurodegenerative condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Free radicals, reactive oxygen compounds, cause oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA.
- The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to high fatty acid content, oxygen consumption, and low antioxidant levels.
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis may involve free radical-induced oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking oxidative damage to Alzheimer's disease.
- To highlight the brain's vulnerability to oxidative stress.
- To explore the potential of antioxidants in AD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and evidence.
- Analysis of postmortem brain tissue from AD patients.
- Examination of biomarkers in living AD patients.
Main Results:
- Evidence of oxidative damage found in both postmortem and living AD patient tissues.
- Free radicals attack critical biomolecules like lipids, proteins, and DNA.
- The brain's unique metabolic profile increases its susceptibility to oxidative injury.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative damage is a significant factor in Alzheimer's disease development.
- Antioxidants, including vitamin E, show potential as therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease.
- Further research into antioxidant therapies is warranted for managing AD.
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