Oxidative and inflammatory signaling pathways

Oxidative and inflammatory signaling pathways comprise an interconnected network of molecular cascades that govern cellular adaptation to environmental and internal stressors. Central to these processes are transcription factors like Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates antioxidant defenses, and Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which orchestrates inflammatory responses (Sivandzade et al., 2019, Frontiers in Physiology). Chronic activation of these pathways leads to a state of oxidative stress and persistent inflammation, contributing to the pathogenesis of diverse diseases including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and various malignancies (Reuter et al., 2010, Free Radical Biology and Medicine). Pharmacological intervention typically involves small molecules that either activate cytoprotective pathways or inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling nodes. However, the broad biological impact of these pathways makes achieving therapeutic selectivity difficult, often resulting in significant safety concerns or limited clinical efficacy (Hussain et al., 2016, Journal of Dietary Supplements).

Other names

Redox-inflammatory signalingOxidative stress and inflammatory cascadesPro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant pathways

Modulation of transcription factors such as Nrf2 and NF-κB, inhibition of cyclooxygenases, and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS).