Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and electrophilic oxidants (ROS/RNS)

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and electrophilic oxidants are a diverse group of highly reactive molecules, including free radicals like superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, as well as non-radicals like hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite (PMID: 28249118). In physiological conditions, they serve as critical secondary messengers in redox signaling pathways, regulating processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and the immune response (PMID: 30546634). However, an imbalance between their production and the body's antioxidant defenses leads to oxidative and nitrosative stress, causing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA (PMID: 23626330). This damage is a hallmark of numerous pathologies, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration (PMID: 25979354). Therapeutic strategies often involve the use of small-molecule scavengers like Edaravone or the induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes to neutralize these species (PMID: 28838208). Despite their potential, targeting these species is challenging due to their transient nature and their dual role in both health and disease (PMID: 24591372).

Other names

Reactive oxygen speciesReactive nitrogen speciesElectrophilic speciesOxidantsFree radicalsPro-oxidantsReactive oxygen and nitrogen species

Direct scavenging of free radicals, neutralization of electrophilic groups, and induction of endogenous antioxidant defense systems via pathways such as Nrf2-KEAP1.