Turns out, free radicals might be important for brain function, says a new study

You must have heard that free radicals are harmful to your body, but according to a new study, they might be important for the brain.
free radicals and brain
Yes, free radical might be helpful! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
ANI Published: 8 Dec 2020, 13:48 pm IST
  • 62

Free radicals are often responsible for creating chemical reactions in the body that cause cell deterioration. The effect of free radicals is quite harmful to our body. But, a new study is coming up with a rather different view.

The recent research, conducted in mice, suggests that free radicals are not fundamentally bad for the brain. In fact, they are most likely important for the brain to remain adaptable throughout life and to age in a healthy way.

A trigger for neurogenesis

The study was published in the journal Cell Stem Cell and the researchers focused on the hippocampus, a brain area that is regarded as the control centre for learning and memory. New nerve cells are created throughout our life span, even in adulthood. 

Also, read: Controlling blood sugar can boost brain health for diabetics: Study

“This so-called adult neurogenesis helps the brain to adapt and change throughout life. It happens not only in mice but also in humans,” explains Prof. Gerd Kempermann, speaker of the DZNE’s Dresden site and research group leader at the CRTD.

New nerve cells emerge from stem cells. “These precursor cells are important for neuroplasticity which is the brain’s ability to adapt,” says the Dresden scientist. 

The researchers’ team was able to show that neural stem cells, in comparison to adult nerve cells, contain a high degree of free radicals in mice. “This is especially true when the stem cells are in a dormant state, which means that they do not divide and do not develop into nerve cells,” says Prof. Kempermann.

The current study shows that an increase in the concentration of the free radicals makes the stem cells ready to divide. “The oxygen molecules act like a switch that sets neurogenesis in motion,” says Kempermann.

depression affects the brain
Who would have thought that free radicals can also have a positive side to it?
Free radicals are not as bad as we’ve been thinking

Free radicals are waste products of normal metabolism. Cellular mechanisms are usually in place to make sure they do not pile up. This is because the reactive oxygen molecules cause oxidative stress. 

“Too much of oxidative stress is known to be unfavourable. It can cause nerve damage and trigger the ageing processes,” explains Prof. Kempermann. “But, obviously, this is only one aspect and there is also a good side to free radicals. There are indications of this in other contexts. However, what is new and surprising is the fact that the stem cells in our brains not only tolerate extremely high levels of radicals but also use them for their function.”

Select Topics of your interest and let us customize your feed.

PERSONALISE NOW

Radical scavengers, also known as ‘antioxidants’, counteract oxidative stress. Such substances are therefore considered important components of a healthy diet. They can be found in fruits and vegetables. “The positive effect of antioxidants has been proven and is not questioned by our study. We should also be careful with drawing conclusions for humans based purely on laboratory studies,” emphasizes Kempermann. 

“Our results at least suggest that free radicals are not fundamentally bad for the brain. In fact, they are most likely important for the brain to remain adaptable throughout life and to age in a healthy way.”

  • 62

Healthshots Wellness Newsletter

Get your Daily Dose of Wellness in your Inbox

Subscribe Now
Next Story