Oxidative stress-related enzymes

Oxidative stress-related enzymes (OSRE) are a broad class of proteins that maintain cellular redox homeostasis by regulating the production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) (MDPI, 2024). This group includes antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which neutralize free radicals, as well as ROS-generating enzymes like NADPH oxidase (NOX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (Frontiers, 2024; PMC, 2015). Dysregulation of these enzymes leads to oxidative stress, causing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, which is a hallmark of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disorders (PMC, 2021; ACS, 2015). Therapeutic strategies targeting OSRE involve enzyme mimetics like ebselen, Nrf2 activators like dimethyl fumarate to induce endogenous defenses, or inhibitors of pro-oxidant enzymes like apocynin (MDPI, 2023; PMC, 2015). However, therapeutic intervention must be carefully managed to avoid disrupting essential physiological ROS signaling required for immune function and cell signaling (eScholarship, 2018). Additionally, the use of broad-spectrum antioxidants has faced challenges in clinical trials due to the complex, dual role of ROS in both pathology and normal physiology (MDPI, 2024). Future directions focus on more specific targeting of individual enzymes or localized redox modulation to improve efficacy and safety (PMC, 2021).

Other names

Antioxidant enzymesRedox enzymesROS-scavenging enzymesOxidative stress-related proteinsRedox-active enzymes

Modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels through catalytic neutralization, induction of endogenous antioxidant gene expression via the Nrf2 pathway, or direct inhibition of ROS-generating enzymes.