Oxidative stress in dogs

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals, are generated during cellular respiration. Under normal conditions, the body has the ability to neutralize the effects of free radicals by using its antioxidant defenses. In the case of an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, free radical production exceeds the capacity of organic combustion, resulting in oxidative stress. Of all the cellular components compromised by the harmful effects of ROS, the cell membrane is the most severely affected owing to lipid peroxidation, which invariably leads to changes in the membrane structure and permeability. With lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane, some by-products can be detected and measured in tissues, blood, and other bodily fluids. The measurement of biomarkers of oxidative stress is commonly used to quantify lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane in humans, a species in which ROS can be considered as a cause or consequence of oxidative stress-related diseases. In dogs, few studies have demonstrated this correlation. The present review aims to identify current literature knowledge relating to oxidative stress diseases and their detection in dogs.