Oxidants, antioxidants and cardiovascular disease.
Basic and clinical studies in the past decade suggest an involvement of oxygen-derived free radicals in some cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis and hypertension. In atherogenesis evidence indicates that low-density lipoprotein/cholesterol must be oxidized before it can be taken up by the monocytes/macrophages to form foam cells which contribute to the characteristic fatty streak. Free radicals are considered responsible for this oxidation. Population studies reveal that hypertensive patients generally have a lower intake of ascorbic acid and possibly other antioxidants. Ascorbic acid deficiency may lead to defective vasodilation and increased blood pressure due to destruction of certain endothelium-dependent relaxing factors by free radicals. Further studies in this area appear justified.
J J
JJ
Krzanowski
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016877:Oxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000502:physiology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D005609:Free Radicals; D016877:Oxidants; D010100:Oxygen