This Forum addresses oxidative reactions of hemoglobin (Hb) and explores the underlying mechanisms of some of these reactions that contribute to the pathophysiology associated with hemolytic anemia and Hb-based oxygen therapeutics. A special focus of this Forum is on the understanding of naturally occurring mutations in human Hb and how these mutations were influenced overtime by variety of oxidative stresses. What emerges from these contributions is that some hemoglobinopathies involve mutant Hb that resists oxidative challenges, whereas the majority often result in circulatory disorder. The contributors provide in-depth and comprehensive overviews on selected key mechanisms underlying Hb oxidative reactions in health and in disease states and how this knowledge may help in the design of countermeasures against these oxidative and toxicological pathways. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 745-747.
Keywords: blood; hemoglobin disorders; mutations; oxidation reactions.