Reactive oxygen species scavenging pathway

The **reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging pathway** refers to a collective set of biochemical mechanisms, enzymes, and molecules dedicated to the neutralization and clearance of ROS from cells. ROS, which include species such as superoxide (O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hydroxyl radicals (OH·), are normal byproducts of cellular metabolism and play dual roles as signaling molecules and as sources of cellular damage when uncontrolled. The scavenging pathway includes both enzymatic antioxidants (such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (such as vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and polyphenols). These elements collaborate to maintain redox homeostasis, prevent oxidative damage to biological macromolecules, and regulate biological processes like inflammation, apoptosis, and immune responses[2][4][5][7]. Dysregulation of ROS scavenging is implicated in multiple disease states ranging from inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases to cancer and neurodegeneration[4][7][8]. **Note:** - "Reactive oxygen species scavenging pathway" is **not a specific molecular target** (e.g., a defined receptor, enzyme, or transporter), but a functional pathway/process involving various biomolecules and enzymes[2][4][5][7]. - "Pathway" entries such as this one are not valid molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in the strict sense, and the request does not align with molecule- or receptor-level annotation frameworks. - Disease relevance, drug interactions, and mechanisms listed reflect the pathway as a biological process, not a single druggable entity.

Other names

ROS scavenging pathwayAntioxidant pathwayROS defense system

Scavenging or neutralizing reactive oxygen species; Catalytic reduction of ROS via antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase mimetics); Restoration of redox balance