Cellular antioxidant mechanisms

Cellular antioxidant mechanisms refer collectively to the systems and molecules within cells that counteract, neutralize, or repair damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other oxidants. These defenses involve both enzymatic antioxidants (such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (including glutathione, vitamins C and E, urate, carotenoids, and flavonoids)[2][3][4][1]. The antioxidant network protects cellular structures, DNA, and macromolecules from oxidative damage, thus maintaining redox homeostasis and cell viability. Dysfunction or depletion of these mechanisms can contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and conditions linked to inflammatory or oxidative stress[1][2][7]. Various intracellular pathways (such as Nrf2/Keap1, NF-κB, MAPK) and regulatory proteins (like DJ-1 and peroxiredoxins) orchestrate these antioxidant functions and adapt he response to metabolic and environmental stressors[1][4][7]. Cellular antioxidant mechanisms themselves are not a single molecular target, receptor, or druggable entity, but rather a broad defense system comprised of multiple molecules and pathways[2][3][4]. Note: "Cellular antioxidant mechanisms" is not a single molecule, receptor, or drug target, but rather an umbrella term describing coordinated cellular defense strategies. It does not refer to a discrete druggable entity, gene, or protein and therefore does not fit the strict definition of a "therapeutic target"[2][7][4].

Other names

Cellular antioxidant defense mechanismscellular antioxidant systemsendogenous antioxidant systems