Salivary Diagnostics for Managing Cellular Oxidative Stress

Abstract

In people and animals, cells are in homeostatic equilibrium when they are in oxidative balance, namely, when the cellular antioxidants (reducing agents) are balanced with the oxidants (oxidizing agents). However, when oxidant levels exceed antioxidants (termed cell redox), cells undergo oxidative stress (OS), which is the basic mechanism of all sickness and chronic disease [1-7]. Extensive investigations of OS and chronic tissue inflammatory responses have established the major underlying risk factors that play key roles in the etiology of a range of human (and animal) diseases that include rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic diseases. The expression of these diseases is influenced by a range of environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors, and specific dietary components, along with exercise and a variety of nutraceuticals can reduce these risk factors significantly [4,6-7]. Chronic inflammation from the increased free radical formation of OS, also called reactive oxygen species (ROS), occurs when tissues or organs receive inflammatory "mediator" messages that cause them to react as though the "trigger" or pathogen is still present. Rather than repairing themselves, these cells remain in an ongoing state of inflammation that can wax and wane lifelong. Tissues thus become deficient in antioxidant mediators, such as malondialdehyde, glutathione, cysteine, ascorbic acid and other antioxidant vitamins, which is associated with a poor clinical outcome [6-7]. In healthy states, 25% of oxygen intake forms ROS, whereas this increases to 75% in unhealthy states and in aging [4]. When cells undergo damage, they release biomarker enzymes that lead to tissue inflammation, infections, obesity and even cancers. Biomarkers of clinical relevance in people and pets include isoprostane, Nrf-2, microRNA, and others [6,7]. When elevated, the presence of high levels of these biomarkers can be addressed with diet and supplement changes to promote beneficial anti-oxidant effects [4,6,7] [cellbiomarkers.org]. These assays are repeated periodically to assess the response and adjust nutritional and nutraceutical therapy, as needed. Management of OS has focused on the development of functional foods, e.g. those containing natural Nrf-2 activators. These include such antioxidant ingredients as: turmeric (Curcuma longa); and its relative, ginger (Zingiber officiale); chili peppers (Capsicum annuum); green tea (Camellia sinensis, which contains tannins and polyphenol catechins, and other teas); soybeans (Glycine max); tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum, rich in lycopenes); grapes (not for pets); honey (not for infants or very young animals); cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon, contains pro-anthocyanidins); licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra); garlic (Allium sativum, in moderation for pets); milk thistle