Oxygen toxicity and long covid - Dr. Groysman
#therapy #learnMedicine #longcovid
Understanding Oxygen's Dual Role:
- Biological Necessity vs. Oxidative Stress:
- Oxygen is vital for aerobic metabolism, the process our cells use to generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). However, Dr. Groysman points out that oxygen also contributes to the creation of oxidative byproducts. These byproducts are similar to rust on iron, demonstrating oxygen's ability to cause deterioration.
Efficiency and Waste in Metabolism:
- Cellular Energy Conversion:
- The human body converts chemical energy to ATP with about 40% efficiency. The remaining 60% results in waste products and heat, paralleling the inefficiency of a car engine burning gasoline.
The Antioxidant Shield:
- Protection Against Oxidation:
- Antioxidants are crucial because they prevent the oxidative byproducts from damaging essential molecules in the body, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids. Dr. Groysman underscores that while we need oxygen, we also need a defense against its harmful effects, hence the widespread use of antioxidant supplements.
The Hazards of Excess Oxygen:
- Oxygen Toxicity:
- When there is more oxygen than the mitochondria can use for metabolism, it leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can leak out of the cells and cause broader damage. This condition is known as oxidative stress, which is harmful to tissues and organs.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy β A Double-Edged Sword:
- Controlled Use of Oxygen in Medicine:
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which increases the amount of oxygen in the body by using a pressurized environment, has therapeutic uses but can also increase the risk of oxidative damage. Dr. Groysman emphasizes the importance of using such therapies judiciously, weighing the benefits against the potential for increased oxidative stress.
Dr. Groysman aims to convey the message that oxygen, while essential for life and therapeutic in specific medical contexts, possesses inherent risks due to its role in oxidative stress. He highlights the critical balance our bodies maintain and the delicate line medical treatments must walk when utilizing oxygen therapeutically.