Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are oxygen-containing molecules naturally occurring in both inorganic and biological chemical systems. Due to their high reactivity and potentially damaging effects to biomolecules, cells express a battery of enzymes to rapidly metabolize them to innocuous intermediaries. Initially, ROS were considered by biologists as dangerous byproducts of respiration capable of causing oxidative stress, a condition in which overproduction of ROS leads to a reduction in protective molecules and enzymes and consequent damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. In fact, ROS are used by immune systems to kill virus and bacteria, causing inflammation and local tissue damage. Today, we know that the functions of ROS are not so limited, and that they also act as signaling molecules mediating processes as diverse as gene expression, mechanosensation, and epithelial transport. In the kidney, ROS such as nitric oxide (NO), superoxide (O2−), and their derivative molecules hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxynitrite (ONO2−) regulate solute and water reabsorption, which is vital to maintain electrolyte homeostasis and extracellular fluid volume. This article reviews the effects of NO, O2−, ONO2−, and H2O2 on water and electrolyte reabsorption in proximal tubules, thick ascending limbs, and collecting ducts, and the effects of NO and O2− in the macula densa on tubuloglomerular feedback.
Highlights
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by definition oxygen containing molecules whose interactions with other compounds are energetically favorable
ROS include oxygen molecular allotropes, such as singlet or triplet forms, as well as oxygen in combination with other atoms; this article focuses on the effects of nitric oxide (NO), O2 −, and their derivative molecules H2 O2 and ONO2 − on water and electrolyte reabsorption along the renal nephron, as well as on their ability to regulate tubuloglomerular feedback
The results reported above contrast with data from diabetic animals characterized by high oxidative stress levels
Summary
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by definition oxygen containing molecules whose interactions with other compounds are energetically favorable. ROS include oxygen molecular allotropes, such as singlet or triplet forms, as well as oxygen in combination with other atoms; this article focuses on the effects of NO, O2 − , and their derivative molecules H2 O2 and ONO2 − on water and electrolyte reabsorption along the renal nephron, as well as on their ability to regulate tubuloglomerular feedback. The effects of ROS on other aspects of renal physiology and pathology have been reviewed elsewhere [1,2]
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