Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) handling pathway (ROS pathway)

Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) handling pathways represent a complex network of biochemical processes dedicated to maintaining redox homeostasis within the cell. These pathways involve the production of ROS, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, as well as their neutralization by enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants like glutathione [StatPearls NBK545182]. When the balance shifts toward excessive ROS production or diminished antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress occurs, leading to damage of lipids, proteins, and DNA [PMID: 28129551]. This imbalance is a hallmark of numerous pathologies, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacological intervention typically focuses on either scavenging ROS directly or modulating key regulatory nodes, such as the Nrf2-KEAP1 signaling axis, to enhance the cell's endogenous antioxidant response [PMID: 25913054].

Other names

Redox signaling pathwaysAntioxidant defense systemROS metabolismOxidative stress response

Pharmacological modulation of these pathways involves the direct scavenging of reactive species, the induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes through the activation of transcription factors such as Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), or the inhibition of ROS-generating enzymes like NADPH oxidases (NOX) [PMID: 25913054, PMID: 28129551].