Reactive oxygen species and iron--a dangerous partnership in inflammation.

Cells of nearly all forms of life require well-defined amounts of iron for survival, replication and expression of differentiated processes. It has a central role in erythropoiesis but is also involved in many other intracellular processes in the tissues of the body. It is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and the most abundant transition metal in living organisms for which its characteristic chemistry endows it with a series of properties enabling it to fulfil certain biological reactions especially those involving redox mechanisms.

Skin inflammation: reactive oxygen species and the role of iron.

Superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are reactive oxygen species (ROS) primarily produced by phagocytic cells as a consequence of the process of phagocytosis. This defensive role, may, however, become one of attack when production of ROS is excessive and overwhelms cellular scavenging systems. This happens in situations such as acute inflammation and results in host cell membrane damage, which is particularly prevalent in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as iron and copper.

The role of iron in an acute model of skin inflammation induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

The effect of iron was studied in rats in a ROS-initiated model of acute skin inflammation. Iron dextran was administered i.v.

Skin inflammation induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS): an in-vivo model.

A model of skin inflammation induced by reactive oxygen species has been established using the hydrogen-peroxide-producing enzyme glucose oxidase. As a means of increasing the half-life of the enzyme and tissue retention polyethylene glycol (PEG) was attached. A rapid inflammatory response occurred consisting of an oedematous, non-erythemic swelling lasting at least 48 h.