Estrés oxidativo y su relación con el cáncer

Abstract

Oxidative stress is an imbalance in the body that occurs when there is an excess of free radicals and a decrease in the body's ability to neutralize them. These free radicals form highly reactive molecules due to the oxidation of substances in the human body. However, even though some free radicals are necessary to perform certain physiological functions, their excess causes damage to cells, producing oxidative stress due to the accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which has emerged as an essential component in the cancer pathophysiology. This is explained by the imbalance in the production and elimination of free radicals that exceeds the body's defense capacity, which causes damage to the proteins, lipids, and DNA of the cells, triggering genetic and molecular alterations and promoting development and neoplastic progression. Oxidative stress is caused by a diversity of factors associated with genetics and environmental pollution, which are considered to influence predisposition to cancer; this is conclusive due to a set of biomarkers that allow its specific determination and treatment. It is essential to take measures to counteract oxidative stress, aimed at maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including the intake of antioxidants, exercising, reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption, protecting from the sun and environmental pollution, managing stress, anxiety, and depression through appropriate techniques, and reducing the development of related diseases such as cancer.