Oxidative Stress and Microvessel Barrier Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Vascular Biology
• Oxidative Stress Research
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Increased vascular permeability is linked to numerous disease complications.
• Oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a role in inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
• Mechanisms of ROS-induced microvessel barrier dysfunction are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the role and mechanisms of ROS in microvessel barrier dysfunction.
• To investigate ROS release by leukocytes and their effects on endothelial cells and pericytes.
• To explore the interplay of ROS, nitric oxide, and nitrogen species in vascular barrier dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Focus on underlying mechanisms of ROS release by leukocytes.
• Analysis of individual ROS effects and signaling pathways on endothelial cells and pericytes.
• Review of advances from in vivo and ex vivo studies.

Main Results:

• Highlights the complexity of ROS and their crosstalk in pathological processes.
• Discusses the specific signaling mechanisms of individual ROS on microvessel barrier function.
• Examines the interplay between ROS, nitric oxide, and nitrogen species.

Conclusions:

• Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a potential therapeutic target for antioxidant defense.
• Consolidates opposing views to improve understanding of ROS-mediated microvessel barrier dysfunction.
• Aims to benefit the development of therapeutic strategies for vascular complications.