Potential Efficiency of Antioxidants to Prevent Pressure Ulcers: A Neglected Hypothesis

The document from 2016 explores the under-investigated hypothesis that antioxidants could help prevent pressure ulcers, which are lesions caused by prolonged pressure and associated with oxidative stress. It points out that while antioxidants have shown promise in animal models, clinical trials in humans have not been successful. However, the document argues that this does not rule out the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ulcer formation and that the failure of trials might be due to the use of ineffective antioxidants or those that inadvertently increase oxidative stress. It emphasizes the need for further research into the relationship between ROS homeostasis, redox regulation, and pressure ulcer prevention, suggesting that new compounds that either boost natural antioxidant defenses or directly inhibit ROS generation could be more effective. Despite the lack of clinical success, the high prevalence of pressure ulcers justifies continued investigation into antioxidant-based prevention strategies.