Resumen

CARRILLO ESPER, Raúl et al. Reactive oxygen species, sepsis and metabolic theory of the septic shock. Rev. Fac. Med. (Méx.) [online]. 2016, vol.59, n.1, pp.6-18. ISSN 2448-4865.

Sepsis remains the most common cause of death in the intensive care unit. The term Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) includes molecules with an unpaired electron, called free radicals, such as superoxide anion, and also oxidant agents such as hydrogen peroxide. ROS can react with several molecules and induce an uncontrolled damage in a variety of biomolecules. On the other hand, ROS have essential roles in cell function. Marked oxidative stress as a result of the inflammatory responses inherent with sepsis initiates changes in mitochondrial function and microcirculation. The aim of this paper is to review the roll of ROS in sepsis and new concepts related to the metabolic theory of septic shock.

Palabras llave : Sepsis; septic shock; reactive oxygen species.