Induction of oxidative stress

The induction of oxidative stress refers to any process that elevates the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) beyond the capacity of cellular antioxidant defenses, leading to an imbalance known as oxidative stress. It is not a single molecule or target but a broad cellular state or pathway, central to the action of many drugs (particularly in oncology) and implicated in a wide variety of pathological processes including cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. ROS are produced through normal metabolic activities (notably in mitochondria) but can increase under certain conditions (exposure to toxins, drugs, radiation, inflammation). Therapeutic strategies can aim to either induce oxidative stress intentionally (e.g., in cancer) or mitigate it by antioxidant supplementation, depending on the clinical context. Induction of oxidative stress is best understood as a functional outcome of cellular redox biology rather than a discrete druggable target. In summary, "Induction of oxidative stress" is a process, not a molecule or receptor, and therefore is not considered a canonical therapeutic target. Use of this term as a pharmacological "target" is incorrect according to molecular pharmacology and medicinal chemistry standards.

Other names

oxidative stress inductionOS inductionpromotion of oxidative stressROS generation

Pro-oxidant drugs: increase generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), overwhelming antioxidant defenses, leading to cellular damage or death, often exploited in cancer therapy. Antioxidant drugs: reduce or neutralize ROS, aiming to restore redox balance and prevent oxidative damage.