What is it about?

There are numerous extra- and intra-cellular processes involved in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Augmented ROS generation can cause the damage of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acid and lipids. ROS act as an intracellular signaling component and is associated with various inflammatory responses, chronic arthropathies, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is well documented that ROS can activate different signaling pathways having a vital importance in the patho-physiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, understanding of the molecular pathways and their interaction might be advantageous in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for rheumatoid arthritis.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

ROS formed through a variety of extracellular and intracellular actions are now mainly considered as novel signal mediators which are involved in growth, progression, differentiation, and cell death. The cytotoxic effect of free radical is caused due to oxidative stress and peroxidation of double chain fatty acids, DNA, proteins and associated with different diseases . Cellular ROS from different sources such mitochondria are considered as toxic by-products generated during cellular metabolism. Earlier, ROS were considered as host defending molecule released by neutrophil for destructing foreign pathogens such as bacteria; however, accumulated evidence shows that ROS has a key role as a second messenger to decide cell fate and modification of various signaling molecules.

Perspectives

Altered production or removal of ROS by antioxidant defence system causes oxidative stress, which plays fundamental role in RA pathogenesis. Since last decade, intensive research has showed the positive correlation of ROS with the severity of the RA. Altered level of ROS results in damaging of the biomolecule and tissue injury and stimulate inflammatory response in living system. Recently efficacy of various antioxidants phytochemicals i.e catechins, baicalein explored against arthritis and has shown the significant clinical use. Though, antioxidant therapy have not successfully approved for treatment and prevention of RA. But epidemiological investigations of dietary antioxidants showed the favourable and compelling effects. Failure of antioxidant approaches shows the gap in understanding the mechanisms of oxidative stress in inflammation. The oxidants performs well-calibrated signaling functions in cellular environment, distinctive circumstances determine the efficacy of the antioxidant approach. The definitive objective is the development of cause-directed, preventive approaches, therefore comprehensive understanding of causes, underlying molecular mechanism in association with oxidative stress of rheumatoid arthritis is needed.

Dr. Abdul-Rehman Phull
Shah Abdul Latif University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Oxidative stress, consequences and ROS mediated cellular signaling in rheumatoid arthritis, Chemico-Biological Interactions, February 2018, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.12.024.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page