Endogenous antioxidant defenses

Endogenous antioxidant defenses refer to the complex physiological systems of enzymes and small molecules produced within the body that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by reactive species such as ROS and RNS. Major components include enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, peroxiredoxins, thioredoxin) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione, uric acid, melatonin, lipoic acid, bilirubin, polyamines, metal-binding proteins). These defenses are essential for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis, preventing damage to nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, and modulating redox-sensitive signaling pathways. Dysfunction or depletion of endogenous antioxidant systems is associated with increased risk of many chronic diseases and aging[1][3][5][2][6][4]. This entry is considered "incorrect" as a canonical drug target since "Endogenous antioxidant defenses" encompasses many different molecules and processes and is not a specific target suitable for structured data.[1][5][3]

Other names

Endogenous antioxidant systemIntrinsic antioxidant defensesEndogenous antioxidant enzymes

Antioxidation (neutralization of free radicals); Enzymatic detoxification of ROS; Redox signaling modulation