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Published on: December 21, 2011
Role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
M Gamkrelidze1, N Mamamtavrishvili, N Bejitashvili
1Tbilisi State Medical University.
Insights
Atherosclerosis is a growing concern, especially in younger adults. Early detection is crucial, as traditional indicators appear too late, highlighting the role of oxidative stress in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Atherosclerotic disease is a leading cause of mortality globally.
- A significant increase in atherosclerosis cases, severity, and younger onset is observed in Georgia (Caucasus).
- Current diagnostic indicators for atherosclerosis manifest late in the disease process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for atherosclerosis prevention and early detection.
- To highlight the limitations of traditional risk factors in early diagnosis.
- To explore the role of redox status imbalances in atherogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on atherosclerosis indicators and pathogenesis.
- Analysis of the role of oxidative stress in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
- Discussion of the interplay between lipids, cholesterol, and redox processes.
Main Results:
- Traditional indicators like cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and lifestyle factors are often detected when atherosclerotic damage is extensive.
- Imbalances in redox status, characterized by excess oxidation or reduced antioxidant capacity, accelerate molecular and tissue damage.
- Oxidative stress does not negate the role of lipids but rather underscores and potentially elucidates the mechanisms by which they contribute to atherogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Early detection and prevention strategies for atherosclerosis need to incorporate markers beyond traditional risk factors.
- Redox status imbalances are critical factors in the progression of atherosclerosis, even in the presence of elevated lipids.
- Quantifying redox processes may offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid-mediated atherogenesis.
Abstract:
Atherosclerotic disease remains a major cause of death. Documented cases of atherosclerosis in Georgia (Caucasus) have increased by up to 40% and, moreover, the disease is occurring with increased frequency and greater severity in younger adults. Prevention of atherosclerosis as well as detection at early stages of the disease is reviewed. The authors argue that known indicators (serum cholesterol and triglycerides, blood pressure, life style factors) show up too late in the disease when damage is already extensive, still controllable to some extent, but irreversible. Imbalances in the redox status in which excess oxidation occurs or reducing power cannot be maintained (e.g. in inflammation, age, smoking, high lipid content and oxidation) creates a state in which molecular and tissue modifications progress rapidly, leading to development of lesions and full-blown atherogenesis. Oxidative stress do not replace the recognized role of lipids and cholesterol in atherosclerosis, but rather underline that role. Indeed, quantifying redox processes may well elucidate some molecular mechanisms by which lipids mediate atherogenesis.
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