Global metabolic and oxidative stress pathways

"Global metabolic and oxidative stress pathways" refer to the network of biochemical processes that regulate energy metabolism and maintain cellular redox balance through the coordination of metabolic enzymes, antioxidant systems, and redox-sensitive signaling pathways. These pathways determine the production, detoxification, and biological consequences of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species, which can act both as signaling molecules and as agents of cellular damage if present in excess. Disruption in these pathways contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegeneration, cancer, and aging-related conditions. Key molecular participants include mitochondrial enzymes of the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, NADPH oxidases, transcription factors such as NF-κB and AP-1, and a range of antioxidant enzymes. Drugs targeting these pathways typically act by modulating oxidative stress, improving metabolic efficiency, or intercepting ROS to restore or maintain redox homeostasis.

Other names

Oxidative stress pathwaysMetabolic stress pathwaysROS signaling pathwaysRedox pathways

Free radical scavenging; Modulation of mitochondrial function; Inhibition of ROS-generating enzymes (e.g., NADPH oxidase inhibitors); Enhancement of endogenous antioxidant systems; Modulation of inflammatory gene expression; Modulation of metabolic enzyme activity.