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The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Incidence of Metabolic Diseases

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Studies have shown an inevitable relationship between the incidence of metabolic diseases and oxidative stress. Read this article to know more.

Written by

Dr. Sameeha M S

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Nagaraj

Published At January 10, 2023
Reviewed AtMarch 6, 2023

Introduction

Reactive oxygen species are molecules that are unstable and heavily reactive and contain oxygen. They may be produced in the body as a part of mitochondrial metabolism or due to cellular response against toxins and inflammatory conditions. An imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species and the cellular capacity to generate an antioxidant response will result in oxidative stress. Several studies have concluded that oxidative stress plays an essential role in the occurrence of metabolic diseases in individuals. It includes conditions like atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, vascular inflammation, and renal and liver diseases.

What Are Metabolic Diseases?

Metabolic diseases consist of a cluster of conditions such as high blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess body fat (obesity) that lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease, type 2 disease, and stroke. Metabolic diseases are increasing nowadays due to lifestyle changes and unhealthy habits. Multiple factors are involved in the occurrence of metabolic diseases. Many studies have been done to find the exact reasons for the increased incidence of metabolic diseases in people. Later on, several risk factors associated with the onset of metabolic diseases are identified.

Among all the risk factors, oxidative stress plays a vital role in developing metabolic diseases. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) released into the cells as a result of oxidative stress will cause cellular lipid, protein, and nucleic acid damage. This may lead to cellular dysfunction and altered biological metabolism. The other risk factors associated with increased incidence of metabolic diseases are age, abdominal obesity, chronic inflammatory diseases, and insulin resistance.

What Is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress occurs due to the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (free radicals) present in body tissues and the tissue's ability to detoxify and eliminate these reactive molecules. Oxidative stress will result in cell and tissue damage. Reactive oxygen species are generally produced in our body cells as a byproduct of oxygen metabolism and normal biological processes. In a balanced state, our body cells neutralize the highly reactive free radicals with the help of antioxidants. However, this normal body balance is altered in some situations, and excess free radical production occurs. Several factors are responsible for producing excess free radicals and oxidative stress.

It includes the following.

  • Lifestyle factors.

  • Diet (fats, sugars).

  • Exposure to toxic chemicals.

  • Environmental pollutants.

  • Radiation (ultraviolet rays).

  • Smoking.

  • Lack of exercise.

  • Certain medications (antiblastic drugs).

  • Obesity.

  • Exposure to hazardous pesticides.

  • Processed foods.

  • Exposure to heavy metals.

How Does Oxidative Stress Cause Metabolic Diseases?

In recent years, the occurrence of metabolic diseases has been rapidly increasing due to unhealthy lifestyle changes and other associated factors. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play a potent role in the occurrence of metabolic diseases. In addition, long-standing inflammatory conditions increase the risk of several diseases like arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

During oxidative stress, numerous highly reactive oxygen species will be available in the body. These molecules may cause oxidative modification of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and DNA and result in cellular damage. Several studies have shown that tolerance to oxidative stress decreases in old age individuals because of a decline in the concentration of antioxidant enzymes. As a result, cardiovascular alterations occur, leading to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. Diabetes mellitus and its complications are enhanced during oxidative stress. Excessive free radical action in diabetes mellitus (type 2) may lead to cardiovascular complications and chronic infections.

What Are the Harmful Effects of Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress results in an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body. Superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and singlet oxygen are the common reactive oxygen species generated in our bodies as a byproduct of normal biological reactions. In low concentrations, free radicals show beneficial roles and are needed for synthesizing cellular structures and normal immune responses. When reactive oxygen species (ROS) production increases in our body, it will induce harmful effects on cellular structures such as lipids, proteins, cell membranes, lipoproteins, and nucleic acids. Excess hydroxyl and peroxynitrite free radicals cause cell membrane damage and lipid peroxidation. This, in turn, results in the production of conjugated diene compounds, which are responsible for cytotoxic and mutagenic effects.

Some common conditions that occur due to oxidative stress are the following.

  • Chronic inflammation.

  • Cancer.

  • Asthma.

  • Diabetes.

  • Alzheimer's disease.

  • Atherosclerosis.

  • Male infertility.

  • Parkinson's disease.

  • Inflammatory disorders.

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome.

  • Stroke.

  • High blood pressure.

How to Reduce Oxidative Stress?

Lifestyle changes and healthy dietary habits help to reduce the excessive production of reactive oxygen species in our body cells and reduce oxidative stress.

The following measures can be taken to reduce oxidative stress.

  • Having a healthy balanced lifestyle.

  • Eating healthy foods rich in fiber.

  • Including fruits and vegetables in daily diet.

  • Quitting smoking and alcohol use.

  • Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals.

  • Reducing atmospheric pollution.

  • Adapting a stress-free lifestyle.

  • Including any form of physical activity in day-to-day life.

  • Limiting consumption of high calories in foods rich in fat and sugars.

  • Avoiding processed foods.

Conclusion

Oxidative stress occurs due to excessive levels of highly reactive free radical groups in the body. These highly reactive free radical species can cause cell wall, lipid, protein, and nucleic acid damage contributing to metabolic diseases. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, diet patterns, and exposure to toxic chemicals are the common etiological factors for developing oxidative stress. Therefore, maintaining an average healthy body weight, balanced eating, regular physical activities, and a stress-free lifestyle may help reduce oxidative stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Part Does Oxidative Stress Play in Health Conditions?

A significant part of the pathogenesis of many diseases is played by oxidative stress. Cellular damage happens when the equilibrium between dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants is disrupted. This process fuels diseases like diabetes, cancer, and chronic inflammation by causing DNA mutations and tissue damage. For the prevention and treatment of disease, it is crucial to comprehend and control oxidative stress.

2.

Is Metabolic Disorder and Oxidative Stress Related?

Oxidative stress is a physiological imbalance within the body rather than a metabolic disorder in and of itself. It happens when the body's natural antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although oxidative stress is not a metabolic disorder, it can interfere with regular metabolic functions and aid in the onset and progression of conditions like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Addressing these issues and preserving general health depend on controlling oxidative stress.

3.

What Part Does Oxidative Stress Play in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus?

An important part of the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes, is played by oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced because of this. ROS can harm the pancreatic beta cells that make insulin, interfere with insulin signaling in peripheral tissues, and increase insulin resistance. Inflammation brought on by oxidative stress aids in the development of diabetes and its complications. Antioxidants and alterations in lifestyle that lessen oxidative stress may lessen the risk and severity of diabetes.

4.

What Is Oxidative Stress Mechanism?

The oxidative stress mechanism centers on an imbalance between the body's antioxidant defenses and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). 
 
Here is a succinct justification:
- ROS Generation: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are created naturally by cellular functions like metabolism and immune responses, including superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide.
- Antioxidant Defense: The body has built-in antioxidant defenses that neutralize ROS, including enzymes like superoxide dismutase and dietary antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
- Imbalance: Cellular damage results from oxidative stress, which happens when ROS production outpaces the body's ability to neutralize them.
- Consequences: By damaging lipids, proteins, and DNA, inducing inflammation, and impairing cellular function, oxidative stress plays a role in several diseases.

5.

What Conditions Cause Metabolic Disorders?

Several underlying conditions and contributing factors, such as the following, can result in metabolic disorders.
- Genetic Mutations: Inherited genetic mutations can interfere with metabolic processes. Examples include phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease, and lysosomal storage disorders.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Because of hormone dysregulation, diseases like diabetes mellitus, thyroid problems, and adrenal problems can cause metabolic disturbances.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Improper intake or absorption of vital nutrients, as seen in diseases like iron deficiency anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency, can cause metabolic processes to malfunction.

6.

What Function Does Oxidative Stress Play in High Blood Pressure?

Through several mechanisms, oxidative stress significantly causes hypertension (high blood pressure). These include:
- Endothelial Dysfunction: Oxidative stress can make endothelial cells that line blood vessels less effective at producing nitric oxide, aiding blood vessel relaxation. 
- Inflammation: Oxidative stress encourages inflammation within blood vessel walls, which causes vascular damage and atherosclerosis (arterial hardening), which are connected to hypertension.
- Renin-Angiotensin System Activation: The hormonal system that controls blood pressure, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), can be activated by oxidative stress. Vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure can occur as a result of RAAS activation.

7.

What Impact Do Antioxidants Have on Oxidative Stress?

By neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing their negative effects on cells, antioxidants mitigate the harmful effects of oxidative stress. They lower the risk of chronic diseases by protecting cellular components from oxidative damage, including DNA, proteins, and lipids.

8.

What Distinguishes Antioxidants From Oxidative Stress?

An imbalance between the body's ability to produce harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its capacity to neutralize them is known as oxidative stress. Antioxidants are substances that fight ROS, preventing cellular deterioration and preserving general health.

9.

What Are Common Causes of Oxidative Stress?

Exposure to environmental pollutants, smoking, drinking alcohol, chronic inflammation, and certain medical conditions like diabetes are common causes of oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by regular metabolic processes and cell energy synthesis, which adds to oxidative stress.

10.

How Does Oxidative Stress Affect the Organs?

Cellular components are damaged by oxidative stress, which causes organ dysfunction and tissue damage. This can speed up the onset and progression of several illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Dr. Nagaraj
Dr. Nagaraj

Diabetology

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