Redox regulation of inflammatory processes

Abstract

Oxidative stress mediators such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) can be considered double edge molecules, whenever their role in inflammatory pathways is considered. Indeed, if on one hand ROS/RNS are important inflammatory effectors involved in the invading pathogens clearance and resolving the damage and inducing tissue repair; on the other hand, ROS/RNS can also be inflammatory initiators as a consequence of oxidizing biomolecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA, leading to tissue damage and switching acute to chronic inflammation.