Oxidative Damage: The Real Harm to Cells

We've seen how the "smoke" (oxidative stress) produced during energy generation harms cells. Now, let's understand how exactly this oxidative stress causes damage.

1. Effect on Cell Walls Every cell has a protective covering (cell membrane). This "smoke" (oxidative stress) attacks the fats (lipids) in this covering, which is called lipid peroxidation. This leads to: - Reduced cell protection - Disrupted exchange of substances in and out of the cell

2. Effect on Proteins The working components of the body are proteins. Oxidative stress changes the structure of these proteins, which is called protein oxidation. This leads to: - Reduced protein function - Sometimes, incorrect function can occur

3. Effect on DNA Every cell contains DNA (the information system). Oxidative stress causes small damage to it. In the long run: - Cell behavior can change - Diseases can begin

4. What is "Internal Rust"? What we call "internal rust" is oxidative damage / oxidation. Just as iron rusts, when oxidative stress increases in the body, "internal rust" gradually forms in the cells.

5. What Happens Next? When this damage increases: - Cells don't function properly - The body perceives it as a threat And then inflammation begins.

6. Which Organs are Most Affected? Where there is more work, there is more oxidative stress. - Heart - Brain - Blood Vessels - Liver Therefore, these organs are affected sooner.

7. Reality in OPD Often, reports are normal, but internal damage is ongoing. This "oxidative damage" gradually increases over years.

What to Remember? The "smoke" (oxidative stress) is not visible, but its effect is seen as "internal rust" (oxidative damage).

In the next part, we will see how abdominal internal fat (Visceral Fat) increases oxidative stress and inflammation. Diseases appear suddenly, but their onset at the cellular level due to oxidative stress happens much earlier.