COMMENTARY ON THE LAW
[Oxidation mechanisms and anti-oxidation in HIV infected patients–effect on disease progression]
P Jaruga 1
1. Zakład Biochemii Klinicznej, Akademii Medycznej, Bydgoszczy.
Published:
GICID: 01.3001.0000.3200
Available language versions: en pl
Issue: Postepy Hig Med Dosw 1999; 53 (1)
Abstract
Recently it has been proposed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in pathogenesis of many human diseases. An elevated level of these molecules causes oxidative stress and is toxic for living cells. Oxidative stress is the reason of many damages of cellular structures, as result of free radical reactions with proteins, lipids, nucleic acids etc. In most of human diseases overproduction of ROS is characteristic for early stage of disease. Some of infectious factors, e.g. viruses can cause oxidative stress by disturbance of cellular antioxidants system or induction of oxidative reactions. There is some evidence of presence of oxidative stress in early stage of HIV infection (glutathione and other antioxidants loss in serum and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes). All these metabolic disturbances may be involved in AIDS pathogenesis, for example through incorrect induction of lymphocyte apoptosis, tumours related to AIDS and high rate of HIV mutation. This suggests a possible, important role of oxidative stress in AIDS pathogenesis and that administration of antioxidant drugs, by HIV infected patients, may offer protection against mechanisms responsible for lymphocyte apoptosis and AIDS related carcinogenesis.