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Description

The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress represent a mechanism of action that underlies the aetiopathogenesis of various pathophysiological processes, including different types of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The Oxidative Pathology Unit (UPOX) has the experimental objective of describing the redox changes that establish the balance between the levels of activity and expression of antioxidant systems and the formation of ROS in human pathology. Special attention is devoted to oxidative modifications of organic macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. The oxidation of genetic material (DNA) is analysed by choice techniques in order to establish the role of 8-oxo-7,8-2'-dihydro-guanosine (8-oxo-dG) and repair systems (hOGG1, MUTYH, MTH1 RAD51) as mediators of degenerative and neoplastic diseases. Experimental strategies for the identification and validation of new markers in clinical pathology are among the milestones proposed. 

The impact of oxidative stress on the development of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity, as well as other cardiovascular risk factors, is currently being studied in different cohorts of affected subjects. The role of the mutagenic base 8-oxo-7,8-2'-dihydro-guanosine (8-oxo-dG) in human carcinogenesis is investigated by analysing this metabolite in different biological media. The identification and assessment of 8-oxo-dG in serum and urine allows us to know the degree of DNA oxidation and its mutagenic potential in the evolution of human tumours, such as colorectal, gastric and prostate carcinoma, together with other blood neoplasms. This line is in line with the possible validation of this oxidative modification product as a tumour marker. 

In parallel, different ROS-regulated signalling pathways and oxidative changes induced in different cell lines in culture and circulating mononuclear cells from patients with diseases that are the focus of our biomedical research are identified and described. 

During the last few years we have described different types of alterations in redox metabolism in different pathophysiological processes of cardiovascular evolution. Initially, we identified reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes and high concentrations of lipid oxidation products (MDA) in nucleated cells of hypertensive patients, and for the first time high levels of the mutagenic base 8-oxo-dG in both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA that are reduced back to the values of the healthy population after normalisation of blood pressure either by pharmacological or dietary treatment.

 In this regard, our contribution to the multicentre project of the PREDIMED Network stands out, where we first demonstrated the increase in oxidative stress and damage to genetic material in a large population at high cardiovascular risk and then the remission of this oxidative phenomenon through dietary intervention based on a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts. As a result of these collaborations, novel results have been published in relation to dietary intervention rich in antioxidants and the modulation of different oxidative parameters. 

In the field of experimental and human carcinogenesis, different mechanisms of action have been identified that are regulated by certain free radical species that act as inducers of the expression of transcriptional factors involved in the differentiation and apoptosis of tumour cells. The antitumour effect of various agents is mediated by and is dependent on the reduction of antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and increased DNA oxidation, as a step prior to the activation of signalling pathways.

Goals CT
  • Biochemical-molecular characterisation of oxidative stress in the physiopathology of cardiovascular diseases and tumour processes.
  • Identification of new clinical markers.
Research lines

Role of free radicals and oxidative stress as a pathophysiological mechanism of disease.

Basic translational research on biochemical and molecular mechanisms related to free radical formation and oxidative stress in metabolic, cardiovascular and tumour diseases. Molecular signalling pathways in DNA damage and repair.

Management
  • SAEZ TORMO, GUILLERMO
  • PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
  • Coordinador/a de Mobilitat
  • Vicedega/Vicedegana / Vicedirector/a Ets
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Members
  • SANCHEZ JUAN, CARLOS J
  • PDI-Titular d'Universitat
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Non-UV research staff

Partners

  • Ana Bediaga Collado - Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia 
Scientific production by UV researcher
  • SAEZ TORMO, GUILLERMO
    PDI-Catedratic/a d'UniversitatCoordinador/a de MobilitatVicedega/Vicedegana / Vicedirector/a Ets
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Associated structure
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Contact group details
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress. Oxidative Pathology Unit (RL-EO-UPOX)

Burjassot/Paterna Campus

C/ Doctor Moliner, 50

46100 Burjassot (Valencia)

+34 963 864 160

Geolocation

guillermo.saez@uv.es

Contact people
  • SAEZ TORMO, GUILLERMO
  • PDI-Catedratic/a d'Universitat
  • Coordinador/a de Mobilitat
  • Vicedega/Vicedegana / Vicedirector/a Ets
View details