The oxidative stress menace to coronary vasculature: any place for antioxidants?

Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(26):3078-90. doi: 10.2174/138161209789058057.

Abstract

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. A variety of antioxidants has been used in clinical studies, during the past few years, for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. In small clinical studies it was found that both vitamins C and E may improve endothelial function in high risk patients. However, interventional trials have been controversial, with some positive findings, many null findings, and some suggestion of harm in certain high-risk populations. Therefore, treatment with antioxidant vitamins C and E should not be recommended for the prevention or treatment of coronary atherosclerosis. New antioxidant strategies are needed to clarify the exact role of antioxidant treatment in coronary atherosclerosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / adverse effects
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid / adverse effects
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / physiopathology
  • Coronary Artery Disease / prevention & control
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin E / adverse effects
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology
  • Vitamin E / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin E
  • Ascorbic Acid