Peroxynitrite, formed from high levels of nitric oxide and superoxide, is a powerful oxidant that can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids.

“And when they react, they immediately form perio nitrite, >> which is it's not a free radical. It's a very powerful oxidant. >> Okay? >> And this oxidant is very pernicious because it's a little bit more stable, but a very powerful oxidant. And it can literally oxidize anything. >> So it can steal electrons from something else. >> Exactly. >> And we kind of hinted at this, but I'll just I'll just repeat it so people understand. When you steal electrons from something, you can damage DNA, you can damage proteins, you can damage lipids.”