Biology

Role of Iodine as an Antioxidant

Inorganic iodine functions as an antioxidant and it was shown by Kupper et al. in Laminarialeswhich is a species of Kelp. Here neutralization of hydrogen peroxide occurs in two steps. The first step is all about converting it into hypoiodous acid and the second step is converting it into water and thus this step conversion process prevents the formation of hydroxyl radical. Moreover, under oxidative stress this alga absorbs increased amount of iodine (Küpper et al, 1998).

It is also shown by other researchers that iodine is a specific hunter of hydroxyl radicals, (Murata et al, 1986) Iodine has the capability in boosting the antioxidant property of human blood(Winkler et al, 2000). Rat’s brain cells are being protected from lipid peroxidation process by iodine. It also makes the brain cells less susceptible to free radical. (Katamine et al, 1985; Cocchi and Venturi, 2000). Cyanobacteria which are also known as blue green algae have great affinity to iodine. In the process of photosynthesis, conversion of 6 molecule of CO2and 6 molecule of H2O into 1 molecule of C6H12O6. H2O (dextrose) and as a waste product 6 molecule of O2 is being produced by cyanobacteria. It is believed that iodine serves as an antioxidant in case of cyanobacteria while iodine is considered as toxic to all other non photosynthetic bacteria.

Cyanobacteria are considered as large source of oxygen in earth’s atmosphere. Algae is a good dietary source of organic iodinated molecule as it also posses the photosynthetic process.

Iodine and Delayed Immunity

The therapeutic effect of iodine is very important in case of patient with syphilitic, lepromatous, tubercular glaucomatous and msycotic lesions. In case of these complications patients are given iodine with a view to boost up immune response. Iodine’s this kind of effect does not depends on those pathogens which are actually responsible for diseases. Use of iodine is also found effective in case of sweet syndrome, erythema nodosum, erythema multiform, villanova – panolpanniculities and nodular vasculities. A human study was done in a area of endemic goiter to show the world about the shared relation between immune response and intake of dietary iodine. This study was done on 607 infants and these infants were grouped into two group where one group was consisted of 215 infants and the other group was consists with 392 infants. In case of group of 215 infants Lugol solution was given to them and the dose was two drops a week for eight months. Groups with 392 infants were not treated with anything. After conducting the tetanic toxoid skin test a visible difference were observed in case of average diameter of infiltration. This hum

These T3 and T4 hormones have great effect on metabolism and brain development. Thyroid hormones also regulate nervous system, muscle strength, menstrual cycle, body temperature, skin dryness, cholesterol level and body weight. Calcitonin, an important hormone for the metabolism of calcium is also produced by thyroid gland.