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Oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease
S Parthasarathy1, N Khan-Merchant, M Penumetcha
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the Nutrition and Health Sciences Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. spartha@emory.edu
Summary
Oxidative stress is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but antioxidants haven't proven effective. Natural antioxidant defenses, enhanced by lifestyle, may better prevent CVD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- The role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex and evolving.
- Numerous proatherogenic effects have been linked to oxidative stress.
- Despite this, antioxidant interventions have largely failed to demonstrate clear benefits in preventing CVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the effectiveness of antioxidant therapies in CVD prevention.
- To explore alternative mechanisms by which oxidative stress might influence CVD.
- To investigate the potential of endogenous antioxidant defense enhancement for CVD deterrence.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing animal and human trials on antioxidant efficacy in CVD.
- Analysis of recent studies on oxidative stress-induced antioxidant enzyme expression.
- Consideration of CVD deterrents like exercise and diet in relation to oxidative stress.
Main Results:
- Antioxidant trials have yielded ambiguous results, possibly due to methodological issues.
- Oxidative stress may paradoxically induce antioxidant enzymes.
- Factors like exercise and diet, known to deter CVD, can induce oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- The efficacy of exogenous antioxidants in CVD prevention remains unproven.
- Natural enhancement of the body's antioxidant defense system may be a more promising strategy.
- Behavioral and dietary modifications are recommended for CVD prevention in the absence of effective antioxidant models.