Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

The decision of a cell to die is triggered by the imbalance between the positive signals, those needed for continuing to survive (i.e. growth factors), and negative signals (i.e. DNA damages, increased levels of oxidants) [1]. There are two major mechanisms of cell death: necrosis and apoptosis. The severity of the injury leads the cells to decide which type of death to undergo. Necrosis is a passive process, generally due to severe and irreversible external physical injury; these cells accumulate several alterations that lead to the rupture of the plasma membrane and the following inflammatory reaction on the surrounding environment [2]. On the other hand, cells that are induced to commit programmed cell death due to internal or external stimuli undergo apoptosis. Apoptosis is an altruistic death, because damaged cells commit suicide for the wellbeing of the organism, even if potentially they could survive [3]