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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors
Published on: February 7, 2018
Current antioxidant molecular therapies for oxidative stress-related ailments
Martha E Ramos-Márquez1, Fernando Siller-López
1Instituto de Enfermedades Crónico Degeneratives, Departamento de Fisiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara. Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico.
Abstract:
Oxidative cell damage is a natural occurring phenomenon due to the aerobic conditions where cells are embedded; however, such injury can efficiently be controlled and repaired by the inherent antioxidants of the cell. When the oxidant/antioxidant balance is disrupted towards the former by any chemical, biological or physical insult a pathological state could be developed, therefore, an extensive list of compounds with proved or assumed antioxidants properties has largely been used for improving or restoring the health status. Pharmacological therapies as well as dietary or complementary therapies are continuously being investigated for the counteracting of the harmful or damaging effects of oxidation in cells or tissues. However, critical antioxidant levels are not always achieved at the target damaged cells by these approaches; on the other side, the expression of recombinant antioxidant genes specifically directed to the afflicted cell by gene delivery has shown remarkable results. In this review we summarize the literature focused on some of the current antioxidant molecular pharmacological strategies with particular emphasis to the gene transfer protocols involved in the treatment of oxidative stress-related disorders.
Insights
Oxidative stress causes cell damage, but antioxidants can help. Gene therapy shows promise for delivering antioxidants directly to damaged cells, offering a new treatment for related disorders.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oxidative cell damage occurs naturally in aerobic environments but can be repaired by cellular antioxidants.
- An imbalance favoring oxidants over antioxidants, due to various insults, can lead to pathological conditions.
- Compounds with antioxidant properties are widely used to manage health, but achieving effective levels at target cells remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current molecular pharmacological strategies for combating oxidative stress.
- To emphasize gene transfer protocols as a therapeutic approach for oxidative stress-related disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antioxidant molecular pharmacology.
- Focus on gene transfer and gene delivery systems for antioxidant gene expression.
- Analysis of strategies for treating oxidative stress-related disorders.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological, dietary, and complementary therapies are explored for counteracting oxidation.
- Gene delivery of recombinant antioxidant genes to target cells shows significant therapeutic potential.
- Current research highlights the efficacy of gene transfer in addressing oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Restoring the oxidant/antioxidant balance is crucial for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related diseases.
- Gene therapy offers a promising avenue for targeted antioxidant delivery, overcoming limitations of conventional methods.
- Further research into gene transfer protocols is essential for advancing treatments for oxidative stress disorders.
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