Towards a solution to this problem of oxidative stress it is offered that N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is perhaps an effective method of treatment and prevention. The following presentation covers all major aspects of this anti-oxidant treatment. Some of the following has been excerpted from the article that may be found here.
INTRODUCTION
The excerpts below were take from an article titled "Antioxidants, Oxidative Stress, and NAC" authored by Carole Lemens and Craig Sterrit. The purpose of presenting this particular topic is to show that the underlying mechanisms that cause and exacerbate HIV - are exactly the same mechanisms that exacerbate and possibly cause Neuropathic diseases. This is of course - to be proven - however much is known of these cellular elements and their function in connection with neuropathic diseases. Thus - perhaps NAC may provide yet another weapon in ongoing effort to find an effective cure or treatment for the neuropathic diseases.
N-ACETYL CYSTEINE
Oxidative stress has emerged in recent years as a suspected component in the pathogenesis of HIV disease. Increasing numbers of researchers agree that even in the earliest stages of infection, a deleterious reductive-oxidative (redox) imbalance may occur, This means that increased damage causing reactive oxygen intermediates (also called "free radicals") are generated at the same time that stores of naturally occurring antioxidant reducing agents are depleted. The possible result is the uncontrolled presence of oxygen-containing molecules that may cause damage to cell membranes, proteins and nucleic acids, and alterations in the intra- and inter-cellular environments. The net effect of this damage has been termed oxidative stress.
Free radicals are oxygen atoms (or oxygen containing molecules) that are produced normally as intermediaries in cellular processes and respiration, and in the degradation of fatty acids. Free radicals are generated by phagocytes (a type of immune cell) during the destruction of bacteria and virally infected cells, which leads to speculation that increased oxidative stress occurs during inflammatory immune responses.
Antioxidants are compounds with a chemical affinity for free radicals. They exist in abundance and bond with free radicals before they can cause damage. Antioxidants are of five classes: enzymes, such s catalases, peroxidases, and superoxide dismustase (SOD); peptides, such as glutathione; phenolic compounds, Vitamin E and plant flavonoids; nitrogen compounds, which includes various amino acids; and carotenoids, most notably beta-carotene.
