Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and synthetic free radicals (RONS)

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and synthetic free radicals represent a broad class of highly reactive chemical entities that play a dual role in cellular physiology. Endogenous RONS, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, are essential mediators of intracellular signaling pathways, including those governing cell growth, differentiation, and the immune response [1][2]. However, an imbalance between the production of these species and the body's antioxidant defenses leads to oxidative and nitrosative stress, which causes irreversible damage to cellular macromolecules like DNA, lipids, and proteins [2][3]. This damage is a hallmark of numerous pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., ALS, Alzheimer's), cardiovascular disorders, and chronic inflammation [3][4]. Therapeutic intervention typically involves the use of synthetic free radical scavengers or antioxidant mimetics, such as edaravone or nitroxides, which aim to neutralize excess RONS and mitigate tissue injury [5][6]. Despite their potential, the clinical application of RONS-targeting agents remains challenging due to the difficulty of achieving site-specific delivery and the risk of interfering with vital redox-sensitive signaling processes [4][6]. Sources: [1] Sies H, et al. (2017) Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol; [2] Di Meo S, et al. (2016) Oxid Med Cell Longev; [3] Halliwell B, Gutteridge JMC. (2015) Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine; [4] Forman HJ, Zhang H. (2021) Mol Aspects Med; [5] Watanabe K, et al. (2018) J Clin Biochem Nutr; [6] Day BJ. (2019) Biochem Pharmacol.

Other names

Reactive oxygen speciesReactive nitrogen speciesFree radicalsROSRNSOxidantsPro-oxidants

Direct scavenging and neutralization of reactive species, catalytic decomposition of radicals (e.g., SOD mimetics), and enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defense systems.