Potential New Drug Targets Modulating the Environmentally-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

This chapter offers an in-depth look at how oxidative stress, exacerbated by environmental pollutants like air, soil, and water toxins, influences cardiovascular health. It delves into the pathophysiological mechanisms by which oxidative stress contributes to cardiovascular diseases, primarily through generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The text examines the antioxidative defense systems of the heart, detailing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic components that counteract ROS damage. It further discusses cellular and environmental sources of ROS, including the significant role of air pollution and their contribution to cardiovascular pathology. It details how these factors lead to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and the promotion of diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive strategies. Additionally, it discusses the epigenetic changes induced by environmental toxins affecting cardiovascular health across generations. The importance of personalized antioxidant therapies in mitigating these risks is underscored, advocating for a tailored approach to cardiovascular protection against environmental oxidative stress.