Chapters authored
Oxidative Stress and Disease
Typically in aerobic metabolism, organic compounds such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids can undergo structural damage by oxidative reactions. This damage caused by reactive oxygen/nitrogen species has been recognized as “oxidative stress”. Despite the biological systems present efficient enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems, oxidative stress indicates a pro-oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in favor of excessive generation of free radicals or decrease in the removal rate. Various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative clearly exemplify the chronic oxidative stress. Therefore, it is important to consider that at low and moderate ROS levels, it can, for example, act as signaling molecules that support cell proliferation and differentiation and activate survival pathways in response to stress. Correlations between oxidative stress and disease should be carefully investigated in order to understand whether oxidative stress actually increases susceptibility to a particular disease or opposite.
Part of the book: The Transcription Factor Nrf2
The Role of NRF2 Transcription Factor in Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome includes several diseases that are associated with metabolic abnormalities such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiac diseases, and insulin resistance. In order to maintain cellular homeostasis, it is necessary to regulate the signaling pathways involved in controlling oxidative stress. Nuclear factor erythroid-2 factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor largely expressed in several tissues and cells and participates in the oxidative stress regulation signaling pathways. NRF2 also mediates transcriptional regulation of a variety of target genes to signalize and regulate acute and chronic stress pathways in metabolic syndrome. Deregulation of NRF2 could contribute to a worst prognosis/profile of individuals with metabolic syndrome. Therefore, NRF2 and its activators might play a role in its treatment, highlighted as targets for modulation by pharmacological agents.
Part of the book: The Role of NRF2 Transcription Factor [Working title]