Antioxidant defense pathway

The "Antioxidant defense pathway" refers to a network of enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems that protect living cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). This pathway is not a single molecule or protein, but an integrated system that includes enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, peroxiredoxins, and thioredoxins, along with low molecular weight antioxidants like glutathione, ascorbate (vitamin C), and tocopherols (vitamin E). These systems collectively neutralize free radicals, detoxify peroxides, repair oxidized biomolecules, and maintain the redox balance necessary for cell survival. Deficiencies or impairments in the pathway are linked to the pathogenesis of a broad range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and aging. In conclusion, the "Antioxidant defense pathway" is a biological process involving many molecules—not a single, well-defined drug target. For structured information about actionable therapeutic targets, focus on specific components such as "superoxide dismutase," "glutathione peroxidase," or "Nrf2."

Other names

Antioxidant systemCellular antioxidant defenseOxidative stress responseRedox defense system

Scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; Enhancement of enzymatic antioxidant activity (e.g., upregulation of SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase); Repletion of intracellular thiol pools; Induction of cytoprotective stress response genes via Nrf2/Keap1 pathway