Reactive oxygen species and organic peroxides (ROS)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and organic peroxides are a group of highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules, including superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, that are generated as natural byproducts of aerobic metabolism (NIH, 2023). At physiological levels, they function as critical secondary messengers in signal transduction pathways and are essential for the immune system's oxidative burst to destroy pathogens (PubMed, 2021). However, an overproduction of ROS or a deficiency in antioxidant defenses leads to oxidative stress, which causes cumulative damage to DNA, lipids, and proteins (StatPearls, 2023). This damage is a central driver in the progression of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and various cancers (PubMed, 2022). Pharmacological intervention typically involves the use of antioxidants or scavengers, such as N-acetylcysteine or Edaravone, which directly neutralize these species to protect tissues from oxidative injury (PubChem, 2024). Despite their therapeutic potential, non-selective removal of ROS can disrupt essential cellular signaling, leading to safety concerns often referred to as the antioxidant paradox (PubMed, 2020).

Other names

Reactive oxygen speciesFree radicalsOxidantsReactive oxygen metabolitesHydroperoxidesPro-oxidants

Direct chemical neutralization and scavenging of reactive oxygen species and organic peroxides to prevent oxidative damage to cellular DNA, proteins, and lipids.