Chronic Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Adult Stem Cells

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic inflammation plays crucial roles in various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, arteriosclerosis, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammation is usually accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are overproduced by activated immune cells and local fibroblasts in the tissue. Oxidative stress occurs when ROS overwhelm the antioxidant system. Oxidative stress injures cellular compounds (including DNA, proteins, and lipids), resulting in apoptotic and necrotic cell death. This process induces the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in cells and consequently worsens the inflammation. As a result, cells and tissues eventually become functionally depleted.

Adult stem cells (also known as somatic stem cells or tissue stem cells) are undifferentiated cells (that replace damaged functional cells) in the tissue. During chronic inflammation, adult stem cells repair oxidative-stress-induced injuries to the tissue to maintain tissue homeostasis. However, oxidative stress and inflammatory stimuli can also cause stem cell senescence or mutation that leads to the abovementioned diseases.

This Topical Collection welcomes manuscripts (including original research articles and comprehensive reviews) providing insight into aspects of the relationship between chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and adult stem cells. We are interested in a wide range of work, including experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Li Xiao
Collection Editor

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