Singlet oxygen-mediated protein oxidation: evidence for the formation of reactive peroxides

Abstract

Singlet oxygen (molecular oxygen in its ¹Δ_g state, ¹O₂) can be readily generated in a number of in vitro systems, and is suspected to be a major causative agent in some diseases. ¹O₂ has been shown to be produced in myeloperoxidase- and eosinophil peroxidase-catalysed reactions^1–3 and has been reported to be generated by some cell types including neutrophils,⁴ eosinophils,^3,5 and macrophages.⁶ UV light has been shown to generate ¹O₂, and it has been postulated that ¹O₂ plays a role in the development of cataract,^7–9 sunburn and some skin cancers.¹⁰