Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a family of small reactive molecules containing oxygen. ROS are produced in all aerobic cells and play critical roles in regulating several cell functions and biological processes.
Excessive or sustained ROS production leads to oxidative stress, that has been related to several pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and atherosclerosis (ATS).
ATS is a multifactorial disease in which a complex interaction between cells and inflammatory mediators drives remodeling of the arterial toward plaque formation, growth and complications. Macrophages, which are key players in atherosclerotic process, are the main source of ROS. Moreover, ROS are able to influence T cell mediated immune response. Considering the relevant role of oxidative stress in the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the aim of the study is, therefore, to evaluate effects of ROS and antioxidant enzymes on T lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages collected from patients affected by critical carotid artery stenosis (CAS) both symptomatic and asymptomatic.
Atherosclerosis (ATS) is an inflammatory multifactorial disease, in which the complex interaction between immune cells and inflammatory mediators drives the growth of atherosclerotic lesions and their progression toward complications. ATS can lead to a wide spectrum of wall alterations, which range from lipidic stria to complicated plaque. Immune response strongly influences the outcome of intraparietal inflammation; however, immunological mechanisms and mediators underlying this process have not been fully elucidated. Moreover, it is likely that traditional cardiovascular risk factors differently interact with immune system and consequently exert different effects on arterial wall.
Oxidative stress appear in the early phases of atherosclerotic diseases and reactive oxigen species (ROS) play a pleiotropic role in this context. Results of this research project, therefore, can contribute to explain ROS impact on T lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages in patients affected by critical carotid artery stenosis (CAS) both symptomatic and asymptomatic and in part clarify if a branch of immune response is primarily hit by oxidative stress. Moreover, evaluation of statins influence of on T lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages exposed to oxidative stress can add important informations about possibility of prevention of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis