Intracellular redox and reactive oxygen species generation pathways (ROS pathways)

Intracellular redox and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation pathways represent a complex network of biochemical reactions that maintain cellular oxidative balance. ROS are primarily produced within the mitochondria during oxidative phosphorylation and by enzymatic complexes such as NADPH oxidases (NOX), which are critical for immune defense and cell signaling (PubMed: 28232311). Under physiological conditions, these species act as secondary messengers in pathways regulating cell growth and differentiation. However, excessive ROS production or impaired antioxidant capacity leads to oxidative stress, causing irreversible damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids (NIH: PMC4311074). This imbalance is implicated in the progression of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer (StatPearls: NBK545213). Pharmacological intervention focuses on modulating these pathways using antioxidants to protect healthy tissue or pro-oxidant agents to overwhelm the defense mechanisms of cancer cells (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery: 10.1038/nrd.2017.243).

Other names

Oxidative stress pathwaysRedox signalingROS metabolismReactive oxygen species homeostasisAntioxidant defense systems

Modulation of cellular oxidative state through the inhibition of ROS-producing enzymes, scavenging of reactive species, or induction of antioxidant gene expression via the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling axis.