Effect of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of eczema and dermatitis

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important oxygen derivatives, and redox state plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of internal environment of the body. Skin has become a major target organ in oxidative damage. Overproduction of ROS can damage skin tissue. It is through affecting the phosphorylation and gene expression mainly mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B, nitrogen monoxidum, and protein kinases that ROS play their pivotal role in cutaneous pathophysiology. Many inflammatory skin diseases are associated with ROS, and ROS are reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of dermatitis and eczema. Antioxidants are expected as a new approach to the treatment of this kind of diseases. Key words: Dermatitis; Eczema; Reactive oxygen species; Antioxidants