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Free radicals and hearing. Cause, consequence, and criteria
1International Antioxidant Research Centre, University of London King's College, UK. patricia.evans@kcl.ac.uk
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 8, 2000
Summary
Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen and nitrogen species overwhelm antioxidant defenses. Biomarkers are needed to assess this damage in disease and drug side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are produced in the body, playing roles in signaling and defense.
- Antioxidant systems, including enzymes and compounds like vitamin E, normally control RONS production.
- An imbalance leading to excessive RONS or depleted antioxidants causes oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for reliable biomarkers to assess oxidative stress.
- To explore the role of oxidative stress in disease etiology and drug side effects.
- To investigate potential free radical involvement in aminoglycoside and cisplatin ototoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of the physiological roles of RONS and antioxidant defenses.
- Discussion of mechanisms by which drugs can induce oxidative stress.
- Exploration of biomarker development for DNA, protein, and lipid damage.
- Consideration of antioxidant status assessment.
Main Results:
- Oxidative stress can damage all major biomolecules.
- Drug-derived radicals can deplete antioxidants and damage biomolecules.
- Biomarkers are crucial for evaluating oxidative stress's role in health and disease.
Conclusions:
- Reliable biomarkers are essential for assessing oxidative stress in specific tissues.
- Evaluating antioxidant status alongside damage biomarkers aids in understanding disease and drug toxicity.
- Further research is needed to determine if free radical damage causes or results from ototoxicity.