definitiON

WHAT IS OXIDATIVE STRESS? 

OXIDATIVE STRESS is defined as a DISTURBANCE in the balance between the production of REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES (FREE RADICALS) and ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSES. 

OXIDATIVE STRESS IS CAUSED BY FREE RADICALS.

Free radicals:

• are unstable molecules that can damage our body’s cells and tissues.
• cause us to rust from the inside out
• are normal by-products of cellular metabolism
• also, are the result from exposure to pollution or excessive sunlight, and from smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and eating a poor diet.

​
To know more about FREE RADICALS please visit our page : FREE RADICALS .

OXIDATIVE STRESS & ANTIOXIDANTS

THE BODY'S ABILITY TO COUNTERACT AND NEUTRALIZE HARMFUL OXIDATIVE STRESS EFFECTS IS GIVEN BY THE ANTIOXIDANTS.
​
The oxidative stress caused by free radicals plays a pivotal role in many DEGENERATIVE DISEASES.
​
Today, the scientists know that especially processed, fatty foods, generate “free radicals” that in turn damage healthy cells. They believe that supplementary antioxidants are necessary to neutralize these free radicals and reinforce the body’s normal defense systems.

Many nutritional scientists point out that much of our food has been over processed and preservatives have been added for packaging, affecting its vitamin and mineral content.

IN FACT, MANY PEOPLES ARE UNDERNOURISHED BECAUSE OUR DIET LACKS MANY OF THE IMPORTANT VITAMINS AND MINERALS NECESSARY FOR HEALTH. 

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND AGING

The THEORY of aging process and several age-related degenerative disorders :

• has been linked to elevated levels of DNA damage induced by FREE RADICALS and DEFICIENCY IN DNA REPAIR MECHANISMS.  
• has shown an association between elevated oxidative stress and a decrease in antioxidants level 
• is characterized by a gradual accumulation of cellular and molecular defects.

​
An important cause of defects is intense stress, such as oxidative stress. Damage, combined with a decline in defense and repair systems, CAN LEAD TO AGING AND DISEASES.

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND CANCER

Cancer is the third cause of death worldwide, with complex etiology, and is defined as an uncontrolled growth of cells.

A high proportion of cancer incidence and deaths are due to different environmental and genetic factors such as :

• high body mass index
• low fruit and vegetable intake
• lack of physical activity
• tobacco use, alcohol consumption
• exposure to radiation
• chronic infections and heredity also. 

In addition, OXIDATIVE STRESS PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANCER. ​​

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

We are currently witnessing a dramatic increase in the rate of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD).​

​OXIDATIVE STRESS AND LIPID PEROXIDATION  have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND FATTY LIVER DISEASES and consequently the role of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of such diseases has received much attention. 

​The role of INFLAMMATION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS in atherosclerosis development has been increasingly well recognized over the past decade.

INFLAMMATION has a significant role at all stages of atherosclerosis, including initiation, progression and plaque formation. 

ATHEROSCLEROSIS is a CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE associated with cardiovascular dysfunctionincluding myocardial infarction, unstable angina, sudden cardiac death, stroke and peripheral thromboses.

It has been predicted that atherosclerosis will be the primary cause of death in the world by 2020.
ATHEROGENESIS is initiated by vessels injuries due to OXIDATIVE STRESS associated with cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cigarette smoking, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. 

References: 
Evidence for beneficial effects of vitamin E by Etsuo Niki.
Resveratrol and anti-atherogenic effects by Riccioni G, Gammone MA, Tettamanti G, Bergante S, Pluchinotta FR, D'Orazio N
Inflammation, oxidative stress and renin angiotensin system in atherosclerosis by Husain K, Hernandez W, Ansari RA, Ferder L.
Optimal therapeutic strategy for treating patients with hypertension and atherosclerosis: focus on olmesartan medoxomil by Mason RP