Bioantioxidants: the systems reliability standpoint

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cellular Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• The direct antioxidant capacity of many compounds is often insufficient to combat reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to low concentrations and reaction rates.
• Specialized endogenous defense enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, are primary ROS scavengers.
• The role of exogenous antioxidants in modulating endogenous defense systems and overall system reliability requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review experimental data on the in-vivo effects of antioxidants.
• To demonstrate how antioxidants can enhance system reliability beyond their direct ROS scavenging capacity.
• To explore the mechanisms by which antioxidants interact with cellular defense systems and hormonal pathways.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental data from the authors' group and relevant literature.
• Analysis of the effects of specific antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on mitochondrial ROS production.
• Investigation of the impact of flavonoids on the expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase).

Main Results:

• Exogenous antioxidants, such as BHT, can prevent mitochondrial superoxide production (O2*-).
• Flavonoids can induce the expression of key antioxidant enzymes, including SOD and catalase.
• In-vivo antioxidants contribute to system reliability through mechanisms beyond direct ROS neutralization.

Conclusions:

• The primary antioxidant power of many exogenous compounds is limited compared to endogenous enzymes.
• In-vivo antioxidants play a crucial role in enhancing physiological functions and system reliability.
• Antioxidants can exert beneficial effects by modulating antioxidant enzyme expression and interacting with hormonal systems for prophylactic reliability maintenance against ROS.