Influence of genetic factor on oxidative stress mediated heart damage

Abstract

Several decades have passed since the oxidative stress has been recognized as one of the principal factors which contributes to the initiation and progression of heart diseases. From that moment, numerous studies were commenced, and provided a vast knowledge about the molecular pathophysiology of redox imbalance in cardiac pathology. Combining the molecular biology and principles of genetics, the role of genetic factor is implemented in the characterization of oxidative heart damage as an intrinsic factor of each individual. Genetic studies of oxidative stress included analysis of numerous polymorphisms of enzymes which regulate or contribute to the redox metabolic pathways. Additionally, regulation of critical gene expression was also designated as an important element in cardiovascular disease evolution. Finally, exploiting the acquired information, various strategies of gene therapy are formulated in order to control the oxidative heart injury. This paper refers to the previously stated principles and presents only a part of abundant current knowledge about the oxidative stress genetics in heart diseases.