Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species–generating pathway (ROS/RNS pathway)

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generating pathway refers to the collective biochemical routes that produce highly reactive molecules containing oxygen or nitrogen, such as superoxide (O2•−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and nitric oxide (•NO) (Sies & Jones, 2020, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). These species are generated as byproducts of aerobic metabolism in the mitochondria or through specialized enzymes like NADPH oxidases (NOX), xanthine oxidase, and nitric oxide synthases (NOS) (Di Meo et al., 2016, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity). Under physiological conditions, ROS and RNS act as essential signaling molecules (redox signaling) involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and the immune response (Holmström & Finkel, 2014, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). However, an imbalance between their production and the body's antioxidant defenses leads to oxidative and nitrosative stress, which causes oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids (Halliwell & Gutteridge, 2015, Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine). This damage is a key driver in the pathogenesis of various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's, and cancer (Sayre et al., 2008, Chemical Research in Toxicology). Pharmacological intervention typically involves the use of antioxidants to scavenge these species or specific inhibitors to target the enzymes responsible for their overproduction (Forman & Zhang, 2021, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery).

Other names

Oxidative stress pathwayRedox signaling pathwayROS/RNS production systemReactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) pathway

Inhibition of generating enzymes (e.g., NADPH oxidase, Nitric oxide synthase), scavenging of reactive species, or induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.