Resumo (EN)
The reactive species of oxygen and nitrogen (EROs and ERNs) play an important role in cell physiology, for example, acting in inflammation and as a defense mechanism against microorganisms. However, if there are changes in the production mechanisms or metabolism of EROs and ERNs that result in increasing of concentration of these species, the biological system is facing an oxidative stress situation, a relevant factor in the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Oxidative stress has also been linked to physiological changes observed in metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance. This manuscript analyzes, through literature review, the molecular changes induced by oxidative stress and how these effects are correlated to the physiological changes observed on metabolic syndrome. According to the compilation of literature data, the oxidative stress induces molecular changes that result in insulin resistance and hypertension, considered key factors on metabolic syndrome.