Abstract
Oxidative stress results from a disruption of cellular prooxidant/antioxidant balance due to reactive oxygen species and other radicals and oxidants, and may be directly or indirectly involved in many pathological processes. Direct detection of reactive oxygen species and other radicals is difficult. Oxidative damage is generally assessed by measurement of secondary oxidation products. Antioxidant status can be assessed by measuring individual plasma or tissue levels of antioxidants and/or by using measures of antioxidant capacity. Clinical studies must include multiple biomarkers to adequately assess in vivo antioxidant status/oxidative stress. This review will focus on noninvasive biomarkers of radical-induced damage in biological tissues and fluids and other biomarkers of antioxidant status.