Reactive oxygen species generation and scavenging pathways (ROS pathways)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and scavenging pathways encompass the biochemical processes responsible for the production and neutralization of highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules. ROS, including superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, are generated as byproducts of mitochondrial respiration and by specialized enzymes like NADPH oxidases (NOX) (Sies & Jones, 2020, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). To prevent cellular damage, organisms utilize an intricate scavenging system composed of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, alongside non-enzymatic antioxidants like glutathione (Halliwell & Gutteridge, 2015, Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine). While low levels of ROS are critical for intracellular signaling and host defense, an imbalance—termed oxidative stress—is a hallmark of numerous pathologies, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease (Pizzino et al., 2017, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity). Pharmacological intervention focuses on modulating these pathways to restore redox balance, though achieving specificity without disrupting essential signaling remains a significant therapeutic challenge (Murphy et al., 2022, Nature Metabolism).

Other names

Oxidative stress pathwaysRedox homeostasis pathwaysROS metabolismAntioxidant defense systems

Modulation of ROS levels through the inhibition of pro-oxidant enzymes (e.g., NADPH oxidase inhibitors), direct chemical neutralization of reactive species by scavengers, or the induction of endogenous antioxidant gene expression via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.