THIOREDOXIN AND THIOREDOXIN REDUCTASE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF SELECTED HUMAN DISEASES, PART II

Thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase form a thioredoxin system, which is involved in protecting cells against oxidative stress, regulation of apoptosis and regulation of tumorigenesis. Defects in thioredoxin system are associated with the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including the development of cancer. Overexpression of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase leads to increased proliferation, angiogenesis and initiation of anti-apoptotic pathways. Increased levels of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase are considered to be one of the mechanisms correlated with drug resistance in malignant cells. We can observe growing evidences suggesting the role of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase inhibitors in treatment of tumors. Results of therapy using thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase inhibitors seems to be very promising.