Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the Pathophysiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Abstract

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are unstable and have extremely short-short half-life. They are derived from either oxygen (reactive oxygen species, ROS) or nitrogen (reactive nitrogen species, RNS) in mitochondria, plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum due to oxidative stress and damage. ROS/RNS are physiologically useful at low concentrations and are responsible for the activation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways, phagocytosis of infected cells and removal of abnormal and aging cells. The endogenous sources of ROS are the electron transport chain, the respiratory burst of phagocytes and oxidation of lipids. These radicals react with biomolecules such as DNA, proteins and lipids and may cause pathophysiological conditions such as autoimmunity, carcinogenesis, and neurodegenerative diseases. The role of ROS in autoimmune response remains complex and they have been implicated in the initiation, generation and amplification of novel epitopes. ROS also appears to play a critical role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic autoimmune disease of the joints also known as inflammatory arthritis (IA). ROS are involved in the initiation of various signaling pathways and have a significant role in the pathophysiology of RA.

Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of traditional Chinese medicine Fufang Xiaohuoluo pill on collagen-induced arthritis rats and MH7A cells

“…Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the destruction of collagen tissues, and a high level of ROS is associated with damage leading to cartilage degradation ( Ahsan et al, 2022 ). To further elucidate the role of ROS in TNF-α-stimulated inflammation of MH7A cells, cells were pre-treated with FFXHL (0.05, 0.1, 0.2 mg/mL) for 24 h and then stimulated with 20 ng/mL TNF-α.…”

Introductory Chapter: Reactive Oxygen Species—Origin and Significance

“…This imbalance leads to the accumulation of ROS, which can cause significant harm to the body's cellular structures. OS disrupts the delicate balance between prooxidants and antioxidants, resulting in severe damage to cellular macromolecules and potentially lethal consequences [16]. Various methods have been developed and employed to measure the nature and extent of oxidative stress, ranging from the oxidation of lipids to free amino acids proteins and DNA.…”

Introductory Chapter: Reactive Oxygen Species – Origin and Significance

“…It can be described as an imbalance in ROS generation and antioxidant defense leading to the accumulation of ROS. It is an alteration in the balance of the prooxidant/antioxidant system in favor of the prooxidant with attendant lethal effects and resultant damage to the cellular macromolecules [16]. A wide range of methods have been developed and employed to measure the nature and extent of oxidative stress ranging from oxidation of lipids to free amino acids and proteins and DNA.…”