[The role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis].

Abstract

Numerous scientific investigations confirmed the occurrence of oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis patients. There is evidence demonstrating elevated levels of oxidative stress markers and oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) to lipids, proteins, sugars, and DNA, as well as a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity, which protects the organism against ROS activity. Extensive ROS production can significantly accelerate the process of articular cartilage damage. It is believed that many disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) affect oxidative stress, although there has been insufficient research to confirm such a relationship.