Reactive oxygen species and oxidizable biomolecule (ROS) (ROS)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidizable biomolecules encompass a variety of highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, along with the cellular components they modify, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids [Wikipedia: Reactive oxygen species]. ROS are generated as natural byproducts of mitochondrial respiration and enzymatic activities, serving as critical secondary messengers in signal transduction and immune defense at physiological levels [StatPearls: NBK541071]. However, an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defenses leads to oxidative stress, which causes cumulative damage to oxidizable biomolecules and contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease [PubMed: 28214561]. Pharmacological intervention focuses on neutralizing ROS through scavenging agents or enhancing endogenous antioxidant systems to restore redox homeostasis [DrugBank: DB06151]. Despite their therapeutic potential, the non-selective nature of many ROS-targeting drugs can disrupt essential signaling pathways, presenting a significant challenge in clinical application [PubMed: 22229215].

Other names

Free radicalsOxidantsReactive oxygen speciesOxidative stress mediatorsPro-oxidants

Drugs targeting these species typically act as scavengers that directly neutralize free radicals or as antioxidants that donate electrons to stabilize reactive molecules, thereby preventing the oxidation of critical cellular components like lipids, proteins, and DNA [DrugBank: DB00635, StatPearls: NBK541071].