Carbon dioxide redox metabolites in oxidative eustress and oxidative distress

High carbon dioxide tensions (hypercapnia) are toxic to mammals by both pH-dependent and pH-independent mechanisms that remain partially understood. Relevantly, carbon dioxide reacts with biologically ubiquitous oxygen metabolites such as peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide to produce carbonate radical and peroxymonocarbonate, respectively. These metabolites are redox active making it timely to discuss the potential role of carbon dioxide redox metabolites in oxidative eustress and oxidative distress conditions.

Automated summary

High carbon dioxide tensions are toxic to mammals through both pH-dependent and pH-independent mechanisms, involving reactions with oxygen metabolites to produce redox-active metabolites. The potential role of these carbon dioxide redox metabolites in oxidative eustress and oxidative distress conditions warrants further discussion.