Oxidative Stress in Myocardial and Neural Remodeling

Oxidative stress occurs when the generation of free radicals (such as reactive oxygen or nitrogen species) within a cell, tissue, or organism overwhelms the cell defense mechanisms. Oxidative stress arises in a variety of accumulating pathophysiological insults and injuries to the cells, such as hypoxia, myocardial or cerebral infarction, radiation-induced phototoxicity, inflammation, etc. Oxidative stress results typically in lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, protein misfolding, and mitochondrial dysfunction, ultimately triggering necrosis or programmed apoptosis. In the context of damage to the heart and the brain, oxidative stress promotes cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, scientists and physicians from different disciplines and perspectives are motivated to reduce the burden of morbidity and disability due to oxidative stress. In designing this Research Topic focusing on “Oxidative Stress in Myocardial and Neural Remodeling”, we are looking forward to an engaging multidisciplinary discussion in the form of original research and review articles regarding the impairment and, perhaps even paradoxically, benefits that oxidative stress, via induction of defense mechanisms, brings upon the heart and the brain as well as the dual impact of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation on these two vital organs. We encourage authors to shine the spotlight particularly on the mechanisms underlying the role of oxidative stress in the processes of tissue remodeling, fibrosis, and regeneration.