Review article
Even stressed cells are individuals: second messengers of free radicals in pathophysiology of cancer
Morana Jaganjac
; Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Tamara Čačev
; Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Čipak
; Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Kapitanović
; Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Koraljka Gall Trošelj
; Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Neven Žarković
; Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Abstract Pathophysiological processes associated with
disturbances in cell and tissue oxidative homeostasis, are
associated with self-catalyzed process of lipid peroxidation.
The end products of lipid peroxidation are reactive
aldehydes such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), acting as
“second messengers of free radicals.” Although reactive
aldehydes were first recognized only as cytotoxic, new
evidence has come to light, related to their cell growth
regulatory functions achieved through cell signaling. The
variable appearance of HNE in several organs indicates
that its mode of action might be related to an individual
cell stress adaptation. The underlying mechanism could
be that specific mutations and epigenetic changes on one
hand interfere with hormesis on the other. The precise role
of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in these processes
still needs more clarification at molecular level. Finally,
an individual approach to each patient, based on the individual
cell response to stress, opens a new possibility of
integrative medicine in cancer treatment and strongly supports
modern concepts of personalized medicine.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
85771
URI
Publication date:
15.8.2012.
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