Oxidative stress enzymes and pathways

Oxidative stress enzymes and pathways constitute a sophisticated biological network dedicated to the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the maintenance of cellular redox balance (Frontiers in Oncology, 2023). This system encompasses a variety of enzymes, including ROS-generating species like NADPH oxidase (NOX) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as antioxidant defense enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (MDPI Biomolecules, 2024; NIH/PMC, 2024). Central to this network is the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway, which acts as a master regulator of the antioxidant response by inducing the transcription of cytoprotective genes (NIH/PMC, 2024). Chronic imbalance in these pathways leads to oxidative stress, a condition implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer (Frontiers in Oncology, 2023; NIH/PMC, 2023). Therapeutic interventions often focus on either inhibiting pro-oxidant enzymes or activating endogenous antioxidant defenses to mitigate oxidative damage (MDPI Biomolecules, 2024; MDPI Antioxidants, 2024). However, because ROS also function as critical signaling molecules in physiological processes like cell proliferation and immune defense, pharmacological modulation must be carefully tuned to avoid disrupting essential cellular functions (NIH/PMC, 2024; MDPI Antioxidants, 2024). Drugs targeting these pathways include Nrf2 activators like dimethyl fumarate and enzyme inhibitors like verdiperstat (NIH/PMC, 2024). The complexity of these interactions necessitates a multi-target or highly specific approach to achieve therapeutic efficacy without significant toxicity (MDPI Biomolecules, 2024).

Other names

Redox homeostasis pathwaysAntioxidant defense systemROS/RNS signaling pathwaysCellular redox network

Activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway to induce antioxidant gene expression, inhibition of pro-oxidant enzymes such as NADPH oxidase (NOX) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS).