The bad luck may unfold over several years and require multiple infections and a genetic predisposition to activate. In this theory, the DNA in our cells can be altered or destroyed by reactive substances in our bodies. When the destroyed DNA is a part of the immune control function, it can result in a specific autoimmune disease. Oxygen outside our bodies can cause iron to rust and is necessary for paper to burn. On the inside, it can be equally destructive.
Free radicals are particles that have an unstable molecular structure.
They act as scavengers in the body and rob electrons from other molecules to increase their stability. The particles that are robbed don't function as they should and can be toxic. There are several types of free radicals. Some of the most common have an oxygen base. For people with ITP, imagine that our platelets are cooked by it.