HSS 2342 Lecture Notes - Lecture 40: Glutathione Peroxidase, Antioxidant, Beta-Carotene

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HSS 2342
• Professor: Keir J Menzies

Document Summary

Part of glutathione peroxidase enzyme involved in antioxidant defence system. It works in tandem with vitamin e glutathione peroxidase prevents free radials from forming and vit e quenches already formed free radicals. Protects from heart disease (keshan disease arises from a virus or toxin but deficiencies predisposes for people to it) and cancer. Found in the soil and leaches into foods - high in grain and legume producing areas in alberta, saskatchewan, and. Ul has been set can be toxic and leads to brittle hair and nails or nervous system abnormalities. Vitamins a, e, and c and selenium: protect cell membranes, lipoproteins, dna and rna, and proteins. Free radicals are generated by: metabolism often mitochondria, environmental factors (e. g. , smoking, uv radiation) Free radicals are molecules lacking one or more unpaired electrons: steal electrons from other molecules. Cause widespread damage: linked to cognitive performance, aging, and diseases (cancer, cvd, diabetes)