© 2002 by Heart
EDITORIAL
Cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress: a leap of faith or stark reality?
Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr Derek Lang, Wales Heart Research Institute, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK;
Langd@cf.ac.uk
While the role of oxidative stress in diseases like hypercholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, and diabetes is becoming increasingly well established, its involvement in the development of cardiac hypertrophy is more controversial
Keywords: oxidative stress; cardiac hypertrophy; nitric oxide
Abbreviations: AII, angiotensin II; ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; FRDA, Friedreich's ataxia; NO, nitric oxide; ROS, reactive oxygen species
It is well known that cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, valvular dysfunction, and myocardial infarction are associated with cardiac hypertrophy, which is itself an independent risk factor for sudden death. Less certain, however, is the identity of the molecular mechanisms involved in the hypertrophic process. The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of diseases like hypercholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, and diabetes is becoming increasingly well established. In contrast, the involvement of oxidative stress in the development of cardiac hypertrophy is more controversial, though with the evidence now available this concept does not require the great leap of faith once envisaged.
The term "oxidative stress" has become something of a buzz phrase in recent years, being implicated in countless disease processes. What is oxidative stress? It is described as a disturbance in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences in favour of the former. Examples of
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