Reactive oxygen species management systems (ROS management systems) (ROS management systems)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) management systems comprise a complex network of enzymatic and non-enzymatic components dedicated to maintaining cellular redox homeostasis (Sies et al., 2017, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). Key enzymatic players include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, while non-enzymatic components include glutathione and various dietary antioxidants (Hamanaka & Chandel, 2010, Science). These systems are critical for neutralizing excess ROS, which can cause oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to cellular dysfunction and death (Finkel, 2011, Nature). In many diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration, these systems are either overwhelmed or hijacked; for instance, cancer cells often upregulate ROS management to survive high metabolic stress and evade apoptosis (Gorrini et al., 2013, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). Therapeutic strategies involve either augmenting these systems using Nrf2 activators or SOD mimetics to protect healthy tissue, or inhibiting them in cancer cells to induce ROS-mediated cytotoxicity (Trachootham et al., 2009, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). However, targeting these systems is challenging due to the dual role of ROS as both damaging agents and essential signaling molecules, leading to the so-called antioxidant paradox where supplementation may sometimes worsen outcomes (Halliwell, 2011, British Journal of Pharmacology).

Other names

Antioxidant defense systemRedox homeostasis systemROS scavenging systemCellular antioxidant system

Modulation of cellular redox balance through the activation of antioxidant transcription factors, direct scavenging of free radicals, or enzymatic mimicry of endogenous antioxidant proteins.