Topic: Cell injury, inflammation
Question: Discuss the different causes of cell injury with examples.
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1. Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia/ischemia) – Decreased oxygen supply leads to ATP depletion, acidosis, cell swelling and death. Can cause reversible injury or irreversible infarction.
2. Free radicals – Reactive oxygen species damage cell components like membranes, proteins, DNA. Generated from cellular metabolism, radiation, inflammation etc.
3. Chemical agents – Toxins, drugs, heavy metals cause membrane damage, enzyme inhibition, interfere with metabolism.
4. Physical agents – Mechanical trauma, temperature extremes, radiation cause structural damage, protein denaturation.
5. Infectious agents – Bacterial toxins and viruses directly infect, utilize host cell machinery, and cause cell lysis or damage.
6. Immune reactions – Autoimmunity causes immune cells to attack body’s own healthy cells and tissues.
7. Nutritional imbalance – Deficiencies or excess of nutrients affects cell metabolism, enzyme levels, membrane function.
8. Genetic defects – Mutations, chromosomal defects, damaged DNA lead to abnormal proteins, loss of function.
9. Aging – Accumulation of cellular injury over time leads to decreased function and senescence.
The extent of injury depends on type, duration, cell’s adaptability. Can lead to reversible or irreversible outcomes. Homeostatic and repair mechanisms attempt to minimize damage. (
