The oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium in horses

Nathalie Kirschvink, Brieuc de Moffarts, Pierre Lekeux

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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Abstract

Since "free radical research" started in 1954, understanding the role of oxidants and antioxidants in physiological and pathological conditions has increased continuously. Oxidants are essentially generated by metabolic enzymes, inflammatory cells and mitochondrial electron leakage; they are indispensable for the cellular redox regulation and may, under certain conditions, have a pro-inflammatory stimulatory role. Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants counterbalance the oxidative processes and so maintain the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium. Excessive oxidant generation or antioxidant insufficiency can lead to oxidative stress. The aims of this review are: (1) to provide an insight into the concept of the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium by briefly introducing the oxidant and the antioxidant systems; (2) to describe how the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium or oxidative stress can be evaluated in horses, and (3) to summarise current knowledge about oxidative stress in equine medicine and equine exercise physiology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)178-191
Number of pages14
JournalThe Veterinary Journal
Volume177
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2008

Keywords

  • Antioxidant therapy
  • Equine
  • Exercise
  • Oxidants
  • Oxidative stress
  • Pathology

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