1.1 Introduction
Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between the production of reactive species and antioxidant defence. According to Sies oxidative stress is “a disturbance in the pro oxidant-antioxidant balances in favour of the former, leading to serious damage” (Barry, 2001). Oxidative stress focuses the attention of worldwide researchers for its damaging effects on the human body (Anand et al., 2014) and essential for life and also responsible for the death of a cell. In organisms including human’s reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals are produced during metabolic and immune system function. Molecular oxygen (O2) has ability to un-pair and leave free radicals which are unstable and highly reactive leads to formation of ROS (Klaus et al., 2004). When the concentration of ROS beyond a certain limit it is beneficial as biological functions such as phagocytosis, apoptosis, necrosis, and provide protection against pathogens. In oxidation reaction several enzymes (peroxidase) uses H2O2 as a substrate which involving the synthesis of complex organic molecules in the organisms (Anand et al., 2014). Bodies have defensive mechanism which neutralized the ROS effect in humans, principle defensive agents against ROS is antioxidants and endogenous antioxidants (Klaus et al., 2004).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Oxidative stress emerges when an imbalance exists between free radical formation and the capability of cells to clear them. For instance, an excess of hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite can cause lipid peroxidation, thus damaging cell membranes and lipoproteins. This in turn will lead to malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated diene compound formation, which are known to be cytotoxic as well as mutagenic. Being a radical chain reaction, lipid peroxidation spreads very quickly affecting a large amount of lipidic molecules (Frei et al., 1997). Proteins may as well being damaged by oxidative stress, undergoing to conformational modifications that could determine a loss, or impairment, of their enzymatic activity (Halliwell, 2007).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to explore the Harms and Benefits of Oxidative Stress towards Humans. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the factors instigating harm of oxidation stress towards human body.
- To find out the health benefits of Oxidative Stress towards Humans
1.4 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.5 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Harms and Benefits of Oxidative Stress towards Human body in Nigeria.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
…
