Reactive oxygen species: key regulators in vascular health and diseases

ROS are a group of small reactive molecules that play critical roles in the regulation of various cell functions and biological processes. In the vascular system, physiological levels of ROS are essential for normal vascular functions including endothelial homeostasis and smooth muscle cell contraction. In contrast, uncontrolled overproduction of ROS resulting from an imbalance of ROS generation and elimination leads to the development of vascular diseases. Excessive ROS cause vascular cell damage, the recruitment of inflammatory cells, lipid peroxidation, activation of metalloproteinases and deposition of extracellular matrix, collectively leading to vascular remodelling. Evidence from a large number of studies has revealed that ROS and oxidative stress are involved in the initiation and progression of numerous vascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, restenosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Furthermore, considerable research has been implemented to explore antioxidants that can reduce ROS production and oxidative stress in order to ameliorate vascular diseases. In this review, we will discuss the nature and sources of ROS, their roles in vascular homeostasis and specific vascular diseases and various antioxidants as well as some of the pharmacological agents that are capable of reducing ROS and oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to provide information for developing promising clinical strategies targeting ROS to decrease cardiovascular risks.

This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc.