Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress pathways (ROS)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress pathways represent a complex network of biochemical reactions involving oxygen-derived molecules like superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, which act as both signaling messengers and potential toxins (NIH, 2023). Under normal physiological conditions, these pathways maintain redox homeostasis, supporting essential functions such as cell signaling, gene expression, and immune response (StatPearls, 2023). However, an imbalance—termed oxidative stress—occurs when ROS production exceeds the capacity of antioxidant defense systems, leading to oxidative damage of lipids, proteins, and DNA (PubMed, 2022). This damage is a hallmark of various pathologies, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2020). Pharmacological intervention typically targets specific components within these pathways, such as activating the Nrf2 transcription factor to boost antioxidant enzymes or inhibiting ROS-generating enzymes like NADPH oxidase (PubChem, 2023). Despite their therapeutic potential, these pathways present significant challenges because ROS are necessary for normal cellular health, and non-specific antioxidant therapy can disrupt vital physiological processes (Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2021).

Other names

ROS signaling pathwayRedox signalingOxidative stress responseAntioxidant defense system

Modulation of redox balance through direct scavenging of reactive species, inhibition of ROS-producing enzymes such as NADPH oxidase, or induction of endogenous antioxidant genes via the Nrf2-KEAP1 pathway.