Cellular oxidative and nitrosative pathways (ROS/RNS pathways)

Cellular oxidative and nitrosative pathways encompass the biochemical processes involved in the production, regulation, and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These pathways play a dual role in cellular physiology: at low to moderate levels, ROS and RNS act as critical signaling molecules in processes like cell growth, differentiation, and immune response [Source: NIH, Frontiers]. However, an imbalance between the production of these reactive species and the antioxidant defense systems leads to oxidative and nitrosative stress, which causes damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids [Source: MDPI]. This dysregulation is a hallmark of numerous pathologies, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders [Source: PubMed]. Therapeutic strategies often focus on restoring redox balance through the use of antioxidants, Nrf2 activators, or inhibitors of specific ROS/RNS-generating enzymes like NADPH oxidase (NOX) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) [Source: ResearchGate]. Despite their potential, targeting these pathways is challenging because maintaining basal levels of reactive species is essential for normal physiological functions, such as vascular tone regulation and pathogen defense [Source: NIH].

Other names

Oxidative stress pathwaysNitrosative stress pathwaysRedox signaling pathwaysReactive oxygen and nitrogen species pathways

Drugs targeting these pathways act by scavenging reactive species, inducing endogenous antioxidant defenses via the Nrf2 pathway, or inhibiting enzymes like NOX and NOS that produce ROS and RNS.