The Role of Oxidative Stress in Physiopathology and Pharmacological Treatment with Pro- and Antioxidant Properties in Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Oxidative stress (OS) has the ability to damage different molecules and cellular structures, altering the correct function of organs and systems. OS accumulates in the body by endogenous and exogenous mechanisms. Increasing evidence points to the involvement of OS in the physiopathology of various chronic diseases that require prolonged periods of pharmacological treatment. Long-term treatments may contribute to changes in systemic OS. In this review, we discuss the involvement of OS in the pathological mechanisms of some chronic diseases, the pro- or antioxidant effects of their pharmacological treatments, and possible adjuvant antioxidant alternatives. Diseases such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic treatments help reduce the risk with an additional antioxidant benefit. Treatment with methotrexate in autoimmune systemic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, has a dual role in stimulating the production of OS and producing mitochondrial dysfunction. However, it can also help indirectly decrease the systemic OS induced by inflammation. Medicaments used to treat neurodegenerative diseases tend to decrease the mechanisms related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and balance OS. On the other hand, immunosuppressive treatments used in cancer or human immunodeficiency virus infection increase the production of ROS, causing significant oxidative damage in different organs and systems without widely documented exogenous antioxidant administration alternatives.

Oxidative Stress in Endurance Cycling Is Reduced Dose-Dependently after One Month of Re-Esterified DHA Supplementation

“…In a broader context, employment of exogenous antioxidants can interfere with exercise training-induced adaptations, which require signaling activation mediated by exercise-induced oxidative stress [ 51 , 52 ], to the point that some authors consider they have more harm than good in health and sports [ 53 , 54 ]. On the other hand, oxidative stress is increased without any benefit in some chronic diseases or physiopathological conditions, or as a consequence of their concomitant pharmacological treatment in which adjuvant treatment with exogenous antioxidants may be beneficial [ 55 ]. They conform a broad family of substances and molecules like vitamins [ 56 ] and polyphenols [ 57 , 58 ], which usually act as first barrier agents, while DHA seems to act as a pro-oxidant, which can increase endogenous enzymatic antioxidant defenses [ 9 , 10 , 14 ].…”

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Tomatoes and Their Impact on Human Health and Disease: A Review

“…Antioxidants are biomolecules that (1) prevent the oxidation of other molecules by inhibiting the initiation and elongation of the oxidizing chain reaction of ROS and (2) by inhibiting the proliferation of cells, free radical scavenging, the modulation of enzymatic activity via chelation of metallic ions and signal transduction pathways [ 101 ]. Antioxidants, which are bioactive reducing agents, prevent cellular damage caused by ROS, including superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide [ 102 , 103 ]. Antioxidants are considered as the first line of cellular defense used to minimize the harmful effects of free radicals by scavenging them while restoring the normal physiological system.…”

Investigation of the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of wheat bread supplemented with onion peel extract and onion powder in diabetic rats

“…We observed a significant increase in the blood glucose level with alloxan induction. This might be due to the destruction of Langerhans islets β-cells by alloxan which also elevates oxidative stress by compromising the intrinsic antioxidant mechanism and by increasing the production of free radicals [18,49,50]. Oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species can promote negative consequences including uncontrolled hyperglycemia [51].…”