From Small Steps to Giant Leaps – The Second Issue

Abstract

Time flies by in a flash. Here we stand poised to release the second issue of Free Radicals and Antioxidants. It gives me immense pleasure to share with all readers and contributors the overwhelmingly positive response that we have received from the reviewers, authors and members of the Editorial Board of the journal in the past six months. Indeed, a laudable team effort! The present issue of the journal has among the diaspora of interesting articles, an exceptionally thought provoking article on quinine induced lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte membranes by Chikezie and Uwakwe. The erythrocyte cell membrane is especially prone to lipid peroxidation owing to a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Erythrocytes are also the target of the hemoparasite Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria. Quinine, a potent antimalarial is especially effective against the vivax and malariae species of Plasmodium. However, a major side effect of the drug is the occurrence of hemolytic anemia.^[1] The underlying pathophysiology involves the formation of IgM antibodies (induced by quinine itself) which form a complex with the drug. The drug-IgM complex binds to and lyses the cell membrane of the red blood cells by activating the complement cascade.^[2] In this study, the authors present evidence that quinine, in addition to its antimalarial effect could also cause significant peroxidation in the cell membrane of erythrocytes of healthy individuals. The findings of this study provide a novel insight into the mechanism of quinine mediated hemolysis and highlights the importance of understanding the oxidative effects of commonly employed pharmacologic agents. We have in the last six months (since the launch of the first issue in January 2011), attracted the interest of a large number of scientists working in the field of antioxidant research. A reflection of the keen global interest in free radical biology is evident from the wide scope of contributors to the present issue, from Kenya to Berlin and from India to Portugal. This interest is expected to foster the exchange of ideas across continents and thus improve our understanding of the biological role of both free radicals and antioxidants. We are pleased to welcome five new members to our Editorial Board- Dr. Theesan Bahorun and Dr. Vidushi S Neergheen-Bhujun from the University of Mauritius, Dr. Ana Lloret and Dr. Juan Sastre from the University of Valencia in Spain, Dr. David M Pereira from Porto University in Portugal and Dr. Vidya Nallsura from the University of Chicago in USA. Finally, I would like to congratulate the Editorial and Publishing teams that have done a commendable job in putting the issue together. As we receive more overwhelming response from researchers all over the world, I take this opportunity to welcome you all to the Free Radicals and Antioxidants community and look forward to reaching new heights of excellence by working together.Read more...