Tissue damage occurs through several mechanisms, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and direct cellular injury. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cell membrane damage, protein denaturation, and DNA mutations. Inflammation, a protective response to injury, can become chronic, causing further tissue destruction. Direct cellular injury occurs when toxicants disrupt cellular membranes or organelles, leading to necrosis or apoptosis.
