Description: Oxidative stress is a biological condition characterized by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to detoxify or repair them. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. This cellular damage can contribute to various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress occurs naturally in the body during metabolic processes, but external factors such as pollution, smoking, radiation, and an unhealthy diet can increase its production. The relevance of oxidative stress lies in its implication in aging and the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, leading to a growing interest in research on antioxidants, which are compounds that can neutralize free radicals and mitigate oxidative damage. Bioinformatics plays a crucial role in this field, as it allows for the analysis of large volumes of biological data to identify biomarkers of oxidative stress and develop intervention strategies based on genetics and molecular biology.
History: The concept of oxidative stress was introduced in the 1980s when the effects of free radicals on human health began to be investigated. In 1985, Dr. Denham Harman proposed the free radical theory of aging, suggesting that accumulated oxidative damage over time contributes to the aging process and the onset of diseases. Since then, numerous studies have explored the relationship between oxidative stress and various pathologies, solidifying its importance in biomedicine.
Uses: Oxidative stress is used in biomedical research to understand the pathogenesis of diseases and develop treatments. It is employed in clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidants and their impact on health. Additionally, it is used in bioinformatics to analyze genomic and proteomic data related to oxidative stress, facilitating the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Examples: A practical example of the use of oxidative stress in research is the study of the relationship between oxidative stress and type 2 diabetes, where elevated levels of oxidative stress have been found to contribute to insulin resistance. Another case is the research on the use of antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin E, in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, where clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate their effectiveness.
