title: [Oxidative stress and antioxidants].
abstract: Oxidative stress is a metabolic state where the cellular oxidative reactions are out of control. Under such conditions superoxide (O2.-) may accumulate, leading to formation of the hydroxyl radical, OH.. This is a free radical that abstracts hydrogen from the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid will then become a free radical which reacts easily with oxygen to form a peroxyradical. This will in turn abstract hydrogen from another fatty acid, establishing a perpetuating oxidative chain reaction. This may lead to peroxidation of cellular functions. DNA, proteins and carbohydrates may be oxidized too. There is good evidence that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of cancer, atherosclerosis, ischemic tissue damage and inflammatory diseases. Possibly antioxidants can be used to limit oxidative stress. Recent reports indicate that high intake of vitamin E is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
authors.affiliation: Kvinneklinikken og Cellebiologisk laboratorium, Aker sykehus, Oslo.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Henriksen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Endresen
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000737:chemistry; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005609:Free Radicals
vernacular_title: Oksidativt stress og antioksidanter.