Role of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Sepsis and Potential Therapies

Sepsis is one of the most important causes of death in intensive care units. Despite the fact that sepsis pathogenesis remains obscure, there is increasing evidence that oxidants and antioxidants play a key role. The imbalance of the abovementioned substances in favor of oxidants is called oxidative...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Konstantinos Mantzarlis, Vasiliki Tsolaki, Epaminondas Zakynthinos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2017-01-01
Series:Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/5985209
Description
Summary:Sepsis is one of the most important causes of death in intensive care units. Despite the fact that sepsis pathogenesis remains obscure, there is increasing evidence that oxidants and antioxidants play a key role. The imbalance of the abovementioned substances in favor of oxidants is called oxidative stress, and it contributes to sepsis process. The most important consequences are vascular permeability impairment, decreased cardiac performance, and mitochondrial malfunction leading to impaired respiration. Nitric oxide is perhaps the most important and well-studied oxidant. Selenium, vitamin C, and 3N-acetylcysteine among others are potential therapies for the restoration of redox balance in sepsis. Results from recent studies are promising, but there is a need for more human studies in a clinical setting for safety and efficiency evaluation.
ISSN:1942-0900
1942-0994