Oxygen radicals in cardiovascular-renal disease.

Oxidative stress is associated with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Recent studies suggest that oxygen radicals contribute to the enhanced basal vascular tone, tubuloglomerular feedback, monocyte/macrophage infiltration and sensitivity of the vasculature and to the impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation in the diseased kidney. Pharmacological antioxidants can decrease oxidative stress, improve renal vascular function and decrease blood pressure in cardiovascular-renal disease.