The role of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in cerebrovascular diseases. (3rd June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scicchitano, Pietro; Cortese, Francesca; Gesualdo, Michele; De Palo, Micaela; Massari, Francesco; Giordano, Paola; Ciccone, Marco Matteo
• Is Part Of: Free radical research. Volume 53:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 579
• Page End: 595
• Publication Date: 2019-06-03
• Subjects: Atherosclerosis -- cerebrovascular diseases -- endothelial function -- oxidative stress; Free radicals (Chemistry) -- Periodicals; Antioxidants -- Periodicals; Vitamin C -- Periodicals; Vitamin E -- Periodicals; 541.224
• DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2019.1620939
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1071-5762

Abstract

Abstract: Cerebrovascular diseases (CBD) are one of the most dangerous complications of atherosclerosis. The clinical consequences of CBD deeply impact quality of life and the prognosis of patients. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of CBD development. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and other risk factors explain the higher CBD incidence in the general population, as they are able to anticipate the clinical expression of atherosclerosis. These risk factors are effectively able to promote endothelial dysfunction which is the premise for the early, clinical expression of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms by which risk factors can influence the occurrence of CBD are different and not fully understood. The inflammatory background of atherosclerosis can explain a great part of it. In particular, the oxidative stress may promote the development of vascular lesions by negatively influencing biochemical cellular processes of the endothelium, thus predisposing the vascular tree to morphological and functional damages. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the role of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in CBD development.