Epidemiological transition, oxidative stress and chronic non-communicable diseases <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To perform a narrative review on the role of epidemiological transition in the imbalance of oxidative metabolism involved in the etiology of chronic noncommunicable diseases from an evolutionary, environmental and socio-cultural perspective of the Homo sapiens species. Source of data: The sources consulted were Medline, LILACS, and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics databases. Summary of findings: Several studies have investigated the role of oxidative metabolism in the genesis of chronic non-communicable diseases, suggesting an association between the breakdown of cellular homeostasis and the increased risk for these diseases. Evidence suggests that this breakdown in homeostasis and the emergence of chronic non-communicable diseases has been caused by epidemiological transitions that began in the Neolithic Period, with changes in the ecological relationships between humans, plants, animals and pathogens. These changes led to loss of diversity of food, sedentary lifestyle and pollution, by creating disturbances in cellular redox balance, and increased incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases. Conclusions: Changes along the human evolutionary history affected the cellular metabolism by promoting the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases. Therefore it is essential to understand how these changes occurred and their pathophysiological impact in the body, for identifying individuals who are more susceptible to develop chronic non-communicable diseases, and to build action plans for prevention.