Reactive oxygen species and electrophiles (ROS/Electrophiles)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and electrophiles are highly reactive chemical entities produced as byproducts of aerobic metabolism or in response to exogenous stressors like radiation and toxins (Sies et al., 2017, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). ROS, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, and electrophiles, such as 4-hydroxynonenal, act as crucial signaling molecules at low concentrations, regulating processes like cell proliferation and the immune response (He et al., 2020, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy). However, excessive accumulation leads to oxidative and electrophilic stress, causing oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, which is a fundamental driver of aging and chronic diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disorders (NIH, 2023). Therapeutic approaches targeting these species include direct-acting scavengers like N-acetylcysteine and edaravone, which neutralize reactive intermediates to prevent cellular damage (PubChem, 2024). Additionally, drugs may target the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway to bolster endogenous antioxidant defenses, though care must be taken to avoid disrupting essential physiological redox signaling (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

ROSReactive oxygen intermediatesElectrophilic speciesPro-oxidantsReactive nitrogen species (RNS)Oxidative stress agents

Direct chemical neutralization, free radical scavenging, and induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes