Cellular antioxidant system

The *cellular antioxidant system* comprises a network of **enzymatic antioxidants**—such as superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxins—and **non-enzymatic antioxidants** including glutathione (GSH), vitamins C and E, alpha-lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q~10~. These components collectively maintain cellular redox homeostasis by neutralizing or detoxifying reactive species like hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals. By preventing the accumulation of oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA, this system is critical for cellular resilience against aging, degenerative disorders, inflammatory conditions, and carcinogenesis. Disruptions in antioxidant balance contribute to pathologies including neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Because the system is both multifactorial and distributed across multiple cellular compartments, it cannot be directly "targeted" by drugs in the way a single protein or receptor might be.

Other names

Cellular redox systemcellular antioxidant defense systemantioxidant defense mechanismsoxidative stress response system

ROS scavenging; Direct reduction of oxidants; Restoration or enhancement of endogenous antioxidant capacity; Modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways.