Abstract

ROLE OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN HYPERTENSION AND THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Vaishali Thakare, Preety Lachhiramka, Usha Nayak

Abstract

Recently oxidative stress(OS) has been proposed as one the causes of hypertension. Hypertension is associated with increased vascular oxidative stress; however, there is debate whether it is a cause or result of hypertension. Animal studies support its role in development of hypertension. Human studies seem to support its role in development of hypertension. In human studies, nonspecific markers of OS like superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are increased and levels of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase are reduced. Endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (vitamins E,C and glutathione) are decreased. OS has been shown to promote structural and functional alterations within the vasculature thereby causing hypertension. Factors which favours role of OS as result of hypertension are that the potential value of antioxidant supplements to reduce blood pressure is limited. Also specific markers of OS in human studies ( F2-isoprostane) does not show any change.

Keywords: Oxidative stress(OS),Antioxidants,Reactive oxygen species (ROS).