What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress occurs when the free radicals in the body exceed the body’s ability to neutralize and eliminate them. The imbalance can result from a lack of antioxidants caused by poor diet and environmental or behavioral stress. If not regulated properly, the excessive free radicals can damage a cell’s lipids, protein or DNA, inhibiting normal function. Because of this, oxidative stress has been implicated in a growing list of human diseases as well as in the aging process.
Oxidative stress occurs in your body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to all cellular components, including proteins, lipids, and DNA—the blueprint to cell proliferation. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the aging process and numerous health-related issues.
Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Free radicals are analogous to cattle let loose on a field of planted crops. Uncontrolled, the cattle would destroy the crops. Ranch hands are hired to make sure the cattle stay in place and graze. Antioxidants act much the same way. As the ranch hands for our bodies, antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy, functioning cells.
Oxidative stress, defined as a disturbance in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses, is discussed in relation to its possible role in the production of tissue damage in diabetes mellitus. Important free radicals are described and biological sources of origin discussed, together with the major antioxidant defense mechanisms. Examples of the possible consequences of free radical damage are provided with special emphasis on lipid peroxidation. Finally, the question of whether oxidative stress is increased in diabetes mellitus is discussed.
