Antioxidant activity pathways

Antioxidant activity pathways refers to the collection of biochemical processes and molecular entities by which cells and organisms defend against oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals. These pathways involve endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as transcriptional regulation (primarily by Nrf2), and the action of small molecule antioxidants like vitamins and phytochemicals[1][2][3][4][5]. Collectively, these pathways mitigate the harmful effects of ROS, maintain redox homeostasis, and play central roles in the prevention of various diseases associated with oxidative stress, including cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and age-related disorders[1][2][3][4]. The term itself is not a specific drug target but encompasses a broad class of molecular mechanisms.

Other names

antioxidant pathwaysantioxidant mechanismsantioxidant defense systemsoxidative stress response pathways

The mechanism of action for interventions related to antioxidant activity pathways includes free radical scavenging, metal ion chelation, upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (via Nrf2 activation), inhibition of oxidase enzymes (e.g., NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase), and decomposition of peroxides.