Oxidative Stress in Horses

During the last two decades, the physiological and patho -physiological roles of oxidants and antioxidants have been intensively investigated in man, laboratory rodents and horses. Oxidants, which were initially considered as potentially harmful metabolic by -products, are now recognized as important cellular mediators and signaling molecules. Nevertheless, if the pro -oxidant burden overwhelms the antioxidant defense systems, an oxidant/antioxidant disequilibrium or oxidative stress might occur. Biomarkers can be determined in body fluids allowing assessment of oxidative stress in various physiological and pathological conditions. Antioxidants are recommended for maintaining optimal oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium as a means to prevent or treat oxidative stress - associated diseases, but the paucity of systematic research in this field limits the recommendations for therapeutic antioxidant use in equine medicine ...