Hydrogen peroxide. Ubiquitous in cell culture and in vivo? [Review]

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; 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.