New way antioxidants fight diseases
Published: Aug. 20, 2007 at 12:06 PM
CLEMSON, S.C., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The antioxidants in produce, green tea and garlic seem to bind naturally with iron and copper in the body to prevent damage to DNA, a U.S. study said.
Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases are often linked to DNA damage that occurs when metal ions in the body such as iron and copper produce reactive oxygen compounds that damage human cells, said lead investigator and chemist Julia Brumaghim, of Clemson University, in South Carolina.
"Our studies have shown that antioxidants even at low concentrations found in these foods bind to iron and copper and prevent DNA damage," Brumaghim said in a statement. "This goes a long way in understanding how antioxidant supplements might help treat or even prevent these debilitating illnesses."
The Clemson team of chemists presented their research at the 234th annual American Chemical Society national meeting in Boston.
Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases are often linked to DNA damage that occurs when metal ions in the body such as iron and copper produce reactive oxygen compounds that damage human cells, said lead investigator and chemist Julia Brumaghim, of Clemson University, in South Carolina.
"Our studies have shown that antioxidants even at low concentrations found in these foods bind to iron and copper and prevent DNA damage," Brumaghim said in a statement. "This goes a long way in understanding how antioxidant supplements might help treat or even prevent these debilitating illnesses."
The Clemson team of chemists presented their research at the 234th annual American Chemical Society national meeting in Boston.
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This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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