Oxidative stress and nutritional prevention in autoimmune rheumatic diseases

By Samir G. Sukkara and Edoardo Rossi

Abstract

The hypothesis that oxidative stress favours flogistic and immune processes inducing autoimmune rheumatic
diseases (ARDs) and their complications is still under discussion. In this review we take into consideration both
the aetiopathological role of the diet in such diseases and the possible efficacy of dietary supports as adjuvants
for the usual specific therapies.

Moreover, we shall examine the hypothetical pathophysiological role of oxidative
stress on ARDs and their complications, the methods for its evaluation and the possibility of intervening on
oxidative pathways by means of nutritional modulation. It is possible that in the future we will be able to control
connective pathology by associating an immuno-modulating therapy (‘re-educating’) with naturalpr oducts having
an anti-oxidant activity to current immunosuppressive treatment (which has potentially toxic effects).