Decreased oxidative stress

Decreased oxidative stress is a physiological state characterized by a reduction in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) relative to the cellular antioxidant capacity. It is not a specific molecular target, such as a protein or receptor, but rather a therapeutic outcome or biological process resulting from the modulation of various molecular pathways (NIH, 2017). Oxidative stress is a critical driver in the pathophysiology of numerous chronic conditions, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes, where it leads to oxidative damage of DNA, proteins, and lipids (PubMed, 2009). Pharmacological strategies to achieve decreased oxidative stress include the use of direct-acting antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, or indirect activators of the Nrf2-KEAP1 pathway, like dimethyl fumarate, which upregulate the expression of protective enzymes (Nature, 2014). While reducing oxidative stress is a major goal in drug development, clinical success has been limited by the complexity of redox signaling and the potential for high-dose antioxidants to interfere with essential cellular functions. Monitoring this state often involves measuring biomarkers of oxidative damage, such as malondialdehyde or 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, to assess the efficacy of antioxidant therapies (StatPearls, 2023). Ultimately, maintaining redox homeostasis is essential for cellular survival and the prevention of inflammation-mediated tissue injury.

Other names

Oxidative stress reductionAntioxidant effectRedox homeostasisReduced reactive oxygen speciesAntioxidant response

Reduction of oxidative stress is achieved through the direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the chelation of transition metals, or the induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) via the activation of the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway (Pizzino et al., 2017; Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2014).