Oxidative stress in the living organism is a chemical condition in which oxidant species outweigh antioxidant systems due to an imbalance between the two.
Oxidant species, including so-called free radicals, perform important functions – such as eliminating pathogenic bacteria, regulating blood pressure, transmitting signals in the body – but, when in excess, they can alter the normal functioning of vital biological molecules, leading to cell and tissue damage. The result is damage that, if not promptly repaired, will promote the onset or accelerate the progression of very common diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dementia, diabetes, certain types of cancer and others.
An increase in free radicals also promotes premature ageing of the body.
Causes of oxidative stress include environmental pollution, poor diet, inadequate exercise, chronic drug intake, untreated inflammatory states, cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse.
The Carratelli Panel allows the measurement of oxidant and antioxidant species to understand the overall state of well-being of organisms.