title: The natural activities of cells, the role of reactive oxygen species, and their relation to antioxidants, nutraceuticals, botanicals, and other biologic therapies.
abstract: There have been remarkable advances in molecular and cell biology that define the mechanisms of how various supplements function in and around cells. Current evidence strongly supports the probability that cellular functions and cellular responses that pertain to inflammation, disease, and life and death activity can be modulated with supplementation; however, the complexity of each individual's reaction and the vast differences in physiologic influences makes clinical research difficult in regard to clinical studies using antioxidant and biologic therapies. Not enough is known specifically about each supplement and its interactions with cells, nor is enough understood about how the body compensates or reacts to such applications. What works well in one individual or species might work differently in another. In addition, not all antioxidants are created equally, and discrepancies in purity and absorption can occur. It must also be determined whether or not less than optimum levels or infrequent usage will produce the same physiological effects. Not everyone--nor every species of animal--responds in the same manner to supplements, which might account for the variations in clinical research. The cellular effects of antioxidants and other supplements are well defined and meaningful, and their clinical application looks promising despite individual variations. Combinations of antioxidants are synergistic and support cellular functions, effects that are often not apparent with individual agents. Such combinations offer a variety of mechanisms for reducing oxygen metabolites in tissues, altering signaling pathways, and modulating transcription factors, and they might play key roles in reducing the damage afforded by ROS. It is the author's opinion that combinations of antioxidants are best suited for clinical application in modulating disease and reducing premature aging when caused by excessive free radical accumulation. Clinicians should approach clinical application of these supplements based on the best available scientific research and species-specific information available.
authors.affiliation: Community Veterinary Hospital, 1631 W. Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770, USA. lestervet2@aol.com
authors.forename: Lester
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mandelker
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002450:Cell Communication; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D058870:Food, Organic; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D013045:Species Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species