Scarfiotti C, Fabris F, Cestaro B, Giuliani A
Dipartimento di Discipline Medico, Chirurgiche dell'Università di Torino, Turin, Italy.
Eur J Cancer Prev. 1997 Mar;6 Suppl 1:S31-6. doi: 10.1097/00008469-199703001-00007.
An excess of free-radical production has been linked to many diseases and to the ageing process. Oxidant by-products of normal metabolism can cause extensive damage to DNA, protein and lipid. Exposure to ultraviolet light, cigarette smoke and other environmental pollutants may also increase the free radical burden. The accumulation of unrepaired oxidative damage products is likely to be a major factor in cellular ageing. Many repair processes are available to the cell, including enzyme and structural defences. The large group of natural antioxidants is also part of a protective mechanism. High consumption of fruit and vegetables in the diet is associated with a lowered risk of degenerative diseases. At present, however, there are few data to support the routine use of exogenous antioxidants to prevent and treat these diseases.
自由基产生过多与许多疾病及衰老过程相关。正常新陈代谢产生的氧化副产物可对DNA、蛋白质和脂质造成广泛损害。暴露于紫外线、香烟烟雾和其他环境污染物中也可能增加自由基负荷。未修复的氧化损伤产物的积累可能是细胞衰老的主要因素。细胞有许多修复过程，包括酶防御和结构防御。大量的天然抗氧化剂也是一种保护机制的一部分。饮食中大量食用水果和蔬菜与降低退行性疾病风险有关。然而，目前几乎没有数据支持常规使用外源性抗氧化剂来预防和治疗这些疾病。
