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Oxidative stress and antioxidants in intestinal disease
A Thomson1, D Hemphill, K N Jeejeebhoy
1St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Ont, Canada.
Abstract:
Oxidative injury caused by free radicals is an important cause of tissue injury now recognized to occur in inflammation, ischemia and by the action of xenobiotics. It is also recognized to induce gene mutation and promote carcinogenesis. In this review the general concept of nett free radical injury counterbalanced by antioxidants is discussed as oxidative stress. The role of oxidative stress in intestinal ischemia, radiation enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease and the promotion of gastric and colorectal cancer is discussed. The data for the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ischemic, inflammatory and radiation induced disease are strong, but interventional studies with antioxidants have shown only weak beneficial effects in the above diseases. Therefore the role of antioxidants in the therapy of gastrointestinal diseases remains controversial and should be the subject of controlled trials.
Insights
Oxidative stress from free radicals contributes to tissue injury and cancer. While antioxidants combat this, their therapeutic benefits in gastrointestinal diseases remain uncertain, requiring further trials.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Free radical-induced oxidative injury is a significant factor in tissue damage.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in inflammation, ischemia, xenobiotic action, gene mutation, and carcinogenesis.
- Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of oxidative stress and its role in gastrointestinal diseases.
- To discuss the potential therapeutic role of antioxidants in managing these conditions.
- To evaluate the evidence for antioxidant intervention in oxidative stress-related gastrointestinal pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of oxidative stress and antioxidant research in gastrointestinal diseases.
- Analysis of data linking oxidative stress to intestinal ischemia, radiation enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastric/colorectal cancer.
- Evaluation of interventional studies involving antioxidants.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence supports the role of oxidative stress in ischemic, inflammatory, and radiation-induced gastrointestinal diseases.
- Interventional studies with antioxidants have demonstrated limited beneficial effects.
- The precise role of antioxidants in therapy for these conditions is not definitively established.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal diseases.
- Current evidence for antioxidant therapy in these diseases is weak and controversial.
- Controlled clinical trials are necessary to clarify the therapeutic value of antioxidants.