Reactive oxygen species and electrophilic free radicals (ROS)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and electrophilic free radicals are highly reactive chemical entities, including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide, that are generated during normal cellular metabolism (StatPearls, 2023). At physiological levels, they function as secondary messengers in signal transduction pathways and are essential for the immune system's ability to kill pathogens (PubMed, 2021). However, excessive production or impaired clearance leads to oxidative stress, which causes significant damage to cellular macromolecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins (NIH, 2022). This damage is a key driver in the progression of various diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (Nature Reviews, 2020). Therapeutic approaches targeting these species involve the administration of antioxidants and radical scavengers, such as edaravone or N-acetylcysteine, which directly react with and neutralize the radicals to prevent tissue injury (FDA, 2017).

Other names

Free radicalsOxidantsReactive oxygen speciesElectrophilic speciesPro-oxidantsOxygen radicals

Direct chemical scavenging and neutralization of reactive oxygen species and free radicals to prevent oxidative damage to cellular components.