Reactive oxygen species generation and redox system (ROS/Redox system)

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and redox system is a complex network of biochemical processes responsible for producing and neutralizing oxygen-derived free radicals and non-radical species. ROS, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, are produced primarily as byproducts of mitochondrial respiration or by specialized enzymes like NADPH oxidases (NOX) (PubMed: 28138081). While ROS serve as critical signaling molecules in low concentrations, an imbalance between their production and the body's antioxidant defenses leads to oxidative stress (NIH: PMC4049078). This system plays a pivotal role in various pathologies, including cancer, where ROS can promote mutations, and neurodegenerative diseases, where they cause cellular damage (StatPearls: NBK545258). Therapeutic strategies often focus on either scavenging ROS or modulating the enzymes and transcription factors, such as Nrf2, that regulate the cellular redox state.

Other names

Oxidative stress pathwayRedox homeostasis systemAntioxidant defense systemROS signaling network

Direct scavenging of reactive species, activation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, inhibition of ROS-generating enzymes (e.g., NOX inhibitors), and mitochondrial protection.