THE ROLE OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE SYSTEM IN THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LIVER DISEASES AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN TREATMENT

Oxidative stress reflects the imbalance between the excessive formation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and limited antioxidant defenses. A direct consequence of excessive ROS production derives from its interaction with cellular biomolecules, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins, which are modified and may cause cell death. Besides exogenous sources, such as ionizing radiation, diet, metals, pesticides or other toxic compounds, ROS are also generated endogenously as byproducts of a variety of enzymatic reactions and metabolic pathways that require molecular oxygen and are likely involved in the pathogenesis of different human diseases including liver diseases. Liver is one of the most critical organs in the body due to its numerous functions.