Hydrogen peroxide in the human body

FEBS Letters

Long, Lee Hua²  Halliwell, Barry²  Clement, Marie Veronique¹ 

[1] Oncology Research Institute, Clinical Research Centre, National University Medical Institutes, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore;Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore

关键词: Hydrogen peroxide;    Hydroxyl radical;    Urine;    Breath;    Catalase;    Oxygen electrode;   

DOI  :  10.1016/S0014-5793(00)02197-9

学科分类：生物化学/生物物理

来源: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

【 摘 要 】

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is widely regarded as a cytotoxic agent whose levels must be minimized by the action of antioxidant defence enzymes. In fact, H₂O₂ is poorly reactive in the absence of transition metal ions. Exposure of certain human tissues to H₂O₂ may be greater than is commonly supposed: substantial amounts of H₂O₂ can be present in beverages commonly drunk (especially instant coffee), in freshly voided human urine, and in exhaled air. Levels of H₂O₂ in the human body may be controlled not only by catabolism but also by excretion, and H₂O₂ could play a role in the regulation of renal function and as an antibacterial agent in the urine. Urinary H₂O₂ levels are influenced by diet, but under certain conditions might be a valuable biomarker of ‘oxidative stress’.

【 授权许可】

Unknown