Oxidative stress pathways and reactive oxygen species (ROS) downstream redox-sensitive targets (ROS/Redox pathways)

Oxidative stress pathways encompass the biochemical processes governing the production, signaling, and detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (Sies & Jones, 2020). These pathways involve a complex network of enzymes, such as NADPH oxidases (NOX) and superoxide dismutases (SOD), and redox-sensitive transcription factors, most notably Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates the expression of numerous antioxidant and detoxification genes (Forman & Zhang, 2021). While physiological levels of ROS are essential for cell signaling, protein folding, and immune defense, an imbalance—termed oxidative stress—leads to macromolecular damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins (Pizzino et al., 2017). This imbalance is a central driver in the pathogenesis of chronic conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers. Pharmacological intervention typically aims to either inhibit ROS-generating enzymes or activate endogenous antioxidant responses, though achieving therapeutic efficacy remains challenging due to the dual role of ROS in health and disease (He et al., 2020). This entry is classified as incorrect because it represents a broad biological system and multiple distinct molecular targets rather than a single therapeutic entity.

Other names

Redox signaling pathwaysOxidative stress responseROS-mediated signalingAntioxidant response element (ARE) pathwayRedox homeostasis network

Modulation of redox homeostasis via ROS scavenging, inhibition of ROS-generating enzymes (e.g., NOX), or activation of antioxidant transcription factors (e.g., Nrf2).