Hemolysis of erythrocytes releases high levels of cell-free hemoglobin and its metabolites, which are potentially dangerous molecules contributing to tissue and cell damage via redox-reactions. Our research aim to characterize these pathophysiological reactions mechanisms and their importance in diseases, focusing on the immature brain and kidneys. Furthermore, we study defense mechanisms that protect against these reactions with a special emphasis on the heme- and radical-scavenging protein A1M. Of particular interest is evaluating A1M as therapy for these conditions.

Redox reactions and oxidative stress has been implicated as an important factor in the progression of many disease conditions, such as hemorrhage, inflammation, infection, ischemia-reperfusion and tumor targeted radiation. During these conditions increased levels of free radicals are generated, causing an imbalance in the redox-system that leads to oxidation of cells and molecules and subsequent tissue and organ damage.