The role of iron in oxidative stress

Abstract

Iron, or ferrum, is an essential trace element that plays a role in many biochemical processes in the human body, including oxygen transport, the respiratory chain, and enzyme function. However, its unique feature is that it can easily switch between two valence states - divalent (Fe2+) and trivalent (Fe3+). It is precisely this ability to rapidly accept and donate electrons that makes iron irreplaceable in metabolism, but at the same time potentially dangerous, as it can catalyze the formation of highly reactive (or active) forms of oxygen.