25. Antioxidant system regulation: from vitamins to vitagenes
In: Handbook of cholesterolTrakia University, Studentski Grad, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
Szent Istvan University, Godollo 2103, Hungary
Sumy National Agrarian University, Kirova Street 160, Sumy 40021, Ukraine
Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies, Kanatna Street 112, Odessa 65000, Ukraine
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The antioxidant defence mechanisms in the human/animal body are based on several options: decrease localized oxygen concentration; decrease activity of pro-oxidant enzymes and improve efficiency of electron chain in the mitochondria decreasing superoxide production; redox-signalling with induction of various transcription factors (e.g. Nrf2 and NF-kB) and gene expression with antioxidant response element-related synthesis of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, catalase, GSH reductase, GSH transferase, etc.) and other important protective molecules; vitagene activation and increased expression of protective molecules (heat shock protein, thioredoxins, sirtuins, superoxide dismutase, etc.); binding metal ions and metal chelating; decomposition of peroxides by converting them to non-radical, nontoxic products; chain breaking by scavenging intermediate radicals such as peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals; antioxidant recycling mechanisms; repair and removal of damaged molecules; apoptosis activation: to remove terminally damaged cells and restrict mutagenesis. It seems likely that development of the vitagene network concept is a new direction in explaining molecular mechanisms of stresses and for development of the effective strategies to prevent detrimental consequences of stresses.