Biological Markers of Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases: After so Many Studies, What do We Know?

Numerous conditions, including cancer, diabetes, aging, and atherosclerosis, are thought to be associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is defined as a persistent imbalance between oxidation and antioxidation, resulting in the damage of cellular macromolecules and is often considered to be involved in wide variety of human diseases. However, the current literature is very heterogeneous making it rather difficult to draw general conclusions.

Pleiotropic Effects of Biguanides on Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production.

Metformin is widely prescribed as a first-choice antihyperglycemic drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and recent epidemiological studies showed its utility also in cancer therapy. Although it is in use since the 1970s, its molecular target, either for antihyperglycemic or antineoplastic action, remains elusive. However, the body of the research on metformin effect oscillates around mitochondrial metabolism, including the function of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) apparatus.