Biomolecules Oxidative Damage Profile assesses the damage caused to cell biomolecules (lipids, proteins, and DNA) by the effects of oxidative stress.
Biomolecules' Oxidative Damage Profile can help identify the underlying causes of many chronic diseases and clinical disorders so that appropriate individualized therapeutic interventions can be planned.
What is Oxidative Stress?
Oxygen is essential for all living organisms because it allows energy production from organic matter. The result of this process of internal combustion in the body, in addition to energy production, is the creation of byproducts called reactive oxygen species. These oxygen radicals are very reactive molecules because they can oxidize the functional molecules of the cell, i.e., its lipids, proteins, and DNA, changing their structure and eventually causing oxidative damage to the cell. The human body uses typically reactive oxygen species in various functions, such as in the fight against infections. The use of reactive oxygen species for the benefit of the body and the simultaneous protection of its other molecules is achieved through antioxidant defense systems. Antioxidant defense mechanisms include antioxidant enzymes (e.g., dismutase, catalase) and antioxidant non-enzyme systems (e.g., vitamins C and E, glutathione, carotenoids, etc.).
Reactive oxygen species can result from the body's normal functioning or from exposure to environmental pollutants such as exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke, alcohol consumption, exposure to ionizing radiation, infections, and the use of certain medications.
When the production of reactive oxygen species exceeds the regulatory capacity of antioxidant systems, then oxidative damage occurs to biomolecules (proteins, lipids, DNA), cell organelles and the cell itself, tissues, organs, and organ systems, and finally, in the body itself, a condition described as Oxidative Stress.
Oxidative stress occurs when large amounts of free radicals are created that cannot (or do not have time) be neutralized by the body's antioxidant systems. The chronic effect of oxidative stress can cause many pathological conditions, ranging from cardiovascular diseases and cancer to chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, numerous scientific studies claim that oxidative stress is the most important cause of aging.
Oxidative Damage of Biomolecules
Lipid peroxidation. Cell membrane lipid peroxidation leads to loss of fluidity and elasticity, reduced cell function, and can even lead to cell rupture and cell death. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is an organic substance resulting from the peroxidation of lipids and, more specifically, from the effect of reactive oxygen species on polyunsaturated fatty acids. Malondialdehyde is a toxic substance for cells because it forms covalent bonds with various cellular proteins, affecting cell DNA and causing mutations. Malondialdehyde measures the effect of reactive oxygen species on lipids and, thus, assesses the body's oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde is measured in plasma using the TBARS method.
Protein damage. Oxidation of proteins can cause fragmentation of amino acids and the formation of abnormal bonds between proteins, ultimately leading to a loss of their functionality. Altered proteins affect intracellular biochemical pathways, resulting in the appearance of various disorders and diseases. Suppose the proteolytic mechanisms responsible for the degradation of proteins do not work correctly. In that case, the modified proteins accumulate inside the cell, which can further develop pathological conditions. The oxidative damage to proteins is assessed by measuring Nitrotyrosine, a derivative of the amino acid tyrosine.
DNA damage. Oxidative damage to DNA harms its bases. If left unrepaired, modifications to DNA bases eventually lead to genetic abnormalities. As the Guanine base is susceptible to oxidation, the measurement of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine is used as the most reliable biological indicator of oxidative DNA damage.
Why is it necessary to test Oxidative Stress?
Even though medical doctors and patients are increasingly more aware of the importance of free radicals and oxidative stress, its testing and monitoring are still not widespread. The most important reason is that in the early stages of oxidative stress (before the onset of the disease), there are no specific or non-specific symptoms, so it is not diagnosed and treated immediately. Surprisingly, medical doctors often recommend, and patients take, dietary supplements with antioxidants or diets with increased antioxidant profile, without any tests to assess whether the patient is in a state of increased free radicals or has a reduced antioxidant capacity.
Free radicals are needed for various body functions, such as the normal function of phagocytosis to destroy microorganisms, aging cells, or even cancer cells. Recent studies also show that reactive oxygen species act as an intracellular and intercellular signal for apoptosis (cell death), gene expression, and cell activation.
Thus, the constant intake of antioxidants in large quantities carries the risk of a complete lack of radicals and their downward imbalance, which is just as dangerous as oxidative stress.
Which diseases is Oxidative Stress involved in?
Oxidative Stress is involved in more than 100 diseases, including:
- Aging
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)
- Lung diseases
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cataract and macular degeneration
