A free radical that damages hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBCs),and,occasionally,kidney cells.
NAPQI can bind to the hepatic cell membrane and damage the lipid layer, causing hepatocyte injury and death.
It also causes severe oxididative stress.
The oxidant damage to heme molecules results in methemoglobin.
Oxidation of hemoglobin may also cause Heinz body formation.
Damaged RBCs may be subsequently removed from circulaion, causing anemia.