Figure 1From: Role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of acute chest syndrome in sickle cell diseaseMechanisms of oxidant production in sickle RBCs. Sickle RBCs, through the auto-oxidation of hemoglobin (Hb)S, produce O2-, which is metabolized to H2O2 by superoxide dismutase (SOD). H2O2 is then metabolized to O2 and H2O by catalase and GPx. Deficiencies in SOD, catalase, and GPx in sickle RBCs lead to increased O2- and H2O2 production. GSSG, oxidized glutathione.Back to article page