Reactive oxygen species and the modulation of stroke

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species and oxidative state are slowly gaining acceptance in having a physiological relevance rather than just being the culprits in pathophysiological processes. The control of the redox environment of the cell provides for additional regulation in relation to critical cellular signal transduction pathways. Conversely, aberrant regulation of oxidative state manifesting as oxidative stress can predispose a cell to adverse outcome. The PI3-kinase/Akt pathway is one such pathway that is partially regulated via oxidative state and, in an oxidative stress paradigm such as ischemic reperfusion injury, may be inactivated, which can lead to potentiation and or exacerbation of cell d..