Biomarkers of oxidative stress in experimental models and human studies with nutraceuticals: measurement, interpretation, and significance

Oxidative stress, the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of many malignant, degenerative, and ageing-associated diseases. Most importantly, the chronic low grade inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome is characterized by a chronic oxidative stress condition and increased levels of cytokines. T. Magrone et al. investigated if polyphenol supplementation of farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) would be a viable way to counteract the chronic inflammation present in farmed fish. The authors observed that, in supplemented fish, interleukins 1 and 6 were significantly decreased, whereas splenic interferon levels were increased. Concomitantly, a reduction in the number of spleen macrophages compared with control fish was detected. These results open up new perspectives for the use of antioxidants in farmed fish and might contribute to a more sustainable aqua culture