Reactive oxygen species and electrophiles (ROS) (ROS)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and electrophiles are a broad category of highly reactive molecules, including free radicals such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, as well as non-radical species like hydrogen peroxide and reactive carbonyls (Sies & Jones, 2020, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). Under normal physiological conditions, these molecules function as critical signaling mediators in pathways governing cell growth, differentiation, and the innate immune response (Di Meo et al., 2016, Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry). However, an imbalance between their production and the body's antioxidant defense mechanisms leads to oxidative and electrophilic stress, which causes damage to essential macromolecules including DNA, proteins, and lipids (Forman & Zhang, 2021, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). This molecular damage is implicated in the progression of numerous diseases, such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and various forms of cancer (Sayre et al., 2001, Chemical Research in Toxicology). Therapeutic approaches targeting these species involve the use of antioxidants that directly scavenge radicals or drugs that induce endogenous protective enzymes, although maintaining the delicate balance of redox signaling remains a significant clinical challenge (Dinkova-Kostova & Abramov, 2015, Free Radical Biology and Medicine).

Other names

Reactive oxygen speciesElectrophilesFree radicalsOxidantsReactive nitrogen speciesRNSPro-oxidantsReactive oxygen species and other electrophiles

Direct chemical neutralization (scavenging) of reactive species, reduction of oxidative intermediates, and covalent conjugation with electrophiles to prevent cellular damage (Forman & Zhang, 2021, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery).