The pathophysiology of endotoxic
shock is complex. This review emphasizes the role of
reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathophysiology of endotoxic
shock and the effectiveness of flaxseed in amelioration of the deleterious effects of endotoxic
shock on the cardiovascular function and health of the tissue. Endotoxic
shock is associated with reduction in the cardiac function measured by cardiac index and left ventricular work index, cardiac contractility measured by dp/dt (rate of change of left ventricular pressure development), dp/dt at
CPIP/PAW, where
CPIP is common peak isovolumetric pressure and PAW is pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, arterial pressure, and cellular damage measured by increased plasma
creatine kinase and elevated plasma
lactate. It is also accompanied by increases in the generation of ROS by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and cardiac lipid peroxidation product
malondialdehyde (MDA) (cardiac MDA) and reduction in
antioxidant reserve and
antioxidant enzyme activity.
Dimethylthiourea an
antioxidant, prevented/reduced the endotoxic
shock-induced changes in the cardiac function and contractility, arterial pressure, ROS generated by polymorphonuclear leucocytes; MDA,
antioxidant reserve and
antioxidant enzyme activity of cardiac tissue, and cellular health. Flaxseed which has
antioxidant component ameliorated the endotoxic
shock-induced changes in the cardiac function and contractility, arterial pressure, oxidative stress parameters and cellular health. In conclusion, the data suggest that ROS may play a role in the pathophysiology of endotoxic
shock and that flaxseed, an
antioxidant may have a role in the treatment of endotoxic
shock.