Role of oxidative stress in complexity of respiratory diseases

Abstract

Oxidative stress can arise from excess production of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) or from exposure to exogenous ROS. In the lungs, oxidative stress causes lipid, protein and DNA oxidation, changes to histone acetylation, and inflammation. These pathways are thought to underlay the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, lung cancer, and obstructive sleep apnoea. This chapter discusses the risk factors for respiratory disease, the evidence for the role of oxidative stress in these diseases, and proposed antioxidant therapies for the treatment of respiratory disease.