The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension

Abstract

Free radicals, including superoxide anion, play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the diseases of cardiovascular system. NADPH oxidase, xantine oxidase, nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase are main sources of the superoxide. Superoxide anion reduces availability of nitric oxide by converting it to peroxynitrite (ONOO^–). Imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants leads to the endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. There is no data from prospective clinical trials that antioxidants have a hypotensive activity until now. Despite of this, introducing antioxidant rich diet and drugs with antioxidant activity in the hypertensive therapy seems to be beneficial.