Oxidative and nitrosative stress

Oxidative/nitrosative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of certain diseases. Understanding its effects enables us to envisage preventive and curative treatments. The biological effects of oxidative/nitrosative stress were assessed on the Tetrahymena thermophila cell model. The results highlighted certain aspects of disturbance to cell growth, morphology and physiology. In addition, purification and characterization of T. thermophila glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase elucidated metabolic perturbations in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the protective potential of certain essential oils was evaluated on the growth of T. thermophila under stress. The results showed that most of the oils tested had an anti-stress effect. These oils act differently depending on the type of stress and the plant from which they are extracted. Furthermore, the synergistic interaction of the essential oils does not appear to be selective with regard to the type of stress; it significantly and indifferently reduces the effects of oxidative and nitrosative stress, particularly during the exponential growth phase.