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Antioxidants in hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Ernesto L Schiffrin1

  • 1Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Department of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ernesto.schiffrin@mcgill.ca

Molecular Interventions
|January 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease involves oxidative stress. While some antioxidants show mixed results, new agents targeting oxidative stress mechanisms offer promising cardioprotective strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular medicine and oxidative stress research.

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is linked to increased oxidative stress in vital organs.
  • Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and carotenoids show potential therapeutic benefits for CVD.
  • However, clinical trials on antioxidants have yielded inconsistent and sometimes harmful outcomes, necessitating careful consideration of trial design and deeper investigation into cellular mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential and limitations of various antioxidant strategies.
  • To explore emerging approaches for managing oxidative stress in cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological evidence and interventional trial results for antioxidant therapies.
  • Analysis of the impact of cardiovascular drugs (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, MRBs) on reactive oxygen species generation.
  • Examination of the cardioprotective effects of dietary polyphenols and other antioxidants.

Main Results:

  • Interventional trials of certain antioxidants have shown mixed efficacy and potential adverse effects.
  • Pharmacological agents like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and MRBs effectively reduce reactive oxygen species and benefit cardiovascular health.
  • Dietary components, including polyphenols, exhibit cardioprotective properties.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into cellular pro- and antioxidant mechanisms is essential for effective antioxidant therapy.
  • Judicious development of novel antioxidant agents holds promise for quenching oxidative stress and improving cardiovascular outcomes.
  • A nuanced approach considering trial design and specific mechanisms is critical for harnessing antioxidant potential in cardiovascular health.

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