Multiple redox- and inflammation-related pathways – polyphenolic antioxidant interactions

This entry refers to a broad set of biochemical interactions between polyphenolic compounds and various cellular signaling pathways involved in maintaining redox homeostasis and regulating inflammation. Rather than a single protein or receptor, it encompasses a network of targets including transcription factors like Nrf2 and NF-κB, as well as various kinases and antioxidant enzymes (Source: PubMed PMC4927055). Polyphenols act as pleiotropic agents that can simultaneously neutralize free radicals and modulate gene expression to enhance cellular defense mechanisms (Source: Nutrients 2019, 11(11), 2606). These interactions are critically involved in the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and various cancers (Source: Journal of Nutritional Science 2016, 5, e47). Due to their multi-target nature and complex pharmacokinetics, these interactions represent a significant area of research in functional foods and integrative medicine. However, the lack of a single, specific molecular target often complicates the clinical development of these compounds as standardized therapeutics (Source: Nature Reviews Drug Discovery).

Other names

Redox-inflammatory signaling networkPolyphenol-mediated pathway modulationNrf2/NF-κB crosstalkAntioxidant-inflammation axis

Polyphenols modulate these pathways through direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway to induce phase II enzymes, and inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pro-inflammatory signaling cascades.