Аннотация:Presented mini-review discusses the evidence available in the literature about the ability of
both glucocorticoids and stress to shift the balance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant
factors in the direction towards oxidative stress. Besides, bibliographic data confirm the
capacity of vitamins C and E, as well as some other antioxidants to prevent these effects of
glucocorticoids and stress. Finally, world literature, especially during the last years,
demonstrates the important role of pro-oxidant actions of stress and glucocorticoids both in
aging and during perinatal development, in association with programming / imprinting
phenomena in the frame of DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) concept.
It is suggested that the employment of known and novel antioxidant agents may be quite
useful for counteracting the adverse effects of glucocorticoids and stress.