Reflections of an Aging Free Radical

Abstract

In this mini-reflection, I explain how during my doctoral work in a Botany Department I first became interested in H ₂O ₂ and later in my career in other reactive oxygen species, especially the role of “catalytic” iron and haem compounds (including leghaemoglobin) in promoting oxidative damage. The important roles that H ₂O ₂, other ROS and dietary plants play in respect to humans are discussed.

I also review the roles of diet-derived antioxidants in relation to human disease, presenting reasons why clinical trials using high doses of natural antioxidants have generally given disappointing results. Iron chelators and ergothioneine are reviewed as potential cytoprotective agents with antioxidant properties that may be useful therapeutically. The discovery of ferroptosis may also lead to novel agents that can be used to treat certain diseases.

Highlights

• •

  I become interested in H ₂O ₂ early in my career when working on plants.

• •

  H ₂O ₂ and other ROS play key roles in humans and other organisms.

• •

  H ₂O ₂ is widespread in the environment.

• •

  Catalytic iron or haem can catalyse oxidative damage and the body goes to much effort to sequester them into redox-inactive forms.

• •

  Ergothioneine, iron chelators, and ferroptosis inhibitors may be promising therapeutic agents.