Antioxidant pathway (modulation of oxidative stress response) (null)

The term "Antioxidant pathways/modulation of oxidative stress response" refers not to a single molecular target but to a complex network comprising multiple enzymes, small molecules, transcription factors, and regulatory circuits that collectively maintain cellular redox balance. Key components include enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalases (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPX), thioredoxin reductases; nonenzymatic molecules like glutathione, vitamins C/E/A; as well as regulatory proteins including the transcription factor Nrf2 which orchestrates the expression of many detoxifying genes in response to increased ROS. These systems protect cells from damage caused by excessive ROS generated during metabolism or under pathological conditions. Dysregulation is implicated in numerous diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and aging. While many drugs/supplements aim to enhance these defenses or reduce oxidative burden—such as vitamin C/E supplementation—the pathway itself is not considered a discrete druggable target but rather an overarching biological process involving many individual targets.

Other names

Oxidative stress responseAntioxidant defense systemRedox signaling pathwaysCellular antioxidant mechanisms

Scavenging or neutralization of ROS/free radicals by enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants (e.g., SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) Upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes via transcription factors such as Nrf2 activation in response to oxidative stress signals