Antioxidants, inflammation and cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) etiology involves complex factors, including immune cell activation and inflammation.
• Immune activation leads to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, overwhelming antioxidant defenses.
• Redox-sensitive pathways regulate immunological, metabolic, and endothelial functions crucial in CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress in CVD.
• To investigate the role of immune activation markers and their relationship with antioxidant status.
• To explore the potential of redox markers for predicting cardiovascular outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Assessed neopterin and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp) as markers of immune activation and oxidative stress.
• Correlated these markers with plasma levels of vitamins C, E, and B, and homocysteine.
• Examined the interplay between nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), and antioxidant status.

Main Results:

• Neopterin and Kyn/Trp are robust markers of immune activation and oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo.
• Elevated neopterin and Kyn/Trp predict cardiovascular and overall mortality in at-risk patients.
• Increased neopterin and Kyn/Trp correlate with decreased plasma levels of vitamins C, E, and B, and elevated homocysteine.

Conclusions:

• Redox imbalances, indicated by neopterin and Kyn/Trp, are significantly associated with CVD risk and mortality.
• These markers reflect immune activation and oxidative stress, impacting antioxidant status.
• Understanding redox regulation in CVD may inform the development of antioxidant therapies.