Free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron, thus, they are highly reactive. The human body deals with the pathological effects of free radicals by utilizing antioxidant system. The concentration and location of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the main determinants of their effect. A multitude of studies provide evidence that an uncontrolled production of ROS is involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease like atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the formation of intimal plaques. Monitoring and rapid detection of oxidative stress markers is necessary to combat the spread of various diseases. Although there are several sources of vascular free radicals, the enzyme NADPH oxidase is emerging as a strong candidate for the excessive ROS production. Direct measurement of their cellular levels is therefore one approach to determine oxidative stress conditions.
Key words: Antioxidant, Atherosclerosis, Free radicals, Oxidative stress markers, ROS
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