Oxidative stress and antioxidants in disease and cancer: a review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of metabolism and environmental factors.
• Oxidative stress occurs when ROS overwhelm antioxidant defenses, damaging cellular components.
• The direct interaction of ROS with signaling molecules (the "oxidative interface") is less understood than the general effects of oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms of ROS direct interaction with signaling molecules.
• To explore the role of ROS in cellular processes like proliferation, survival, and gene regulation.
• To discuss the classification, formation, and effects of free radicals, and the role of antioxidants.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on ROS, oxidative stress, and signaling pathways.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying ROS-initiated signaling.
• Discussion of antioxidant roles, including phytochemicals.

Main Results:

• ROS directly regulate key signaling molecules, initiating pathways for proliferation and survival (e.g., MAP kinases, PI3 kinase).
• ROS influence ROS homeostasis and antioxidant gene regulation via factors like Ref-1 and Nrf-2.
• Free radicals have both beneficial and deleterious effects, with antioxidants playing a role in prevention and repair.

Conclusions:

• Direct ROS-signaling interactions are crucial for cellular functions.
• Antioxidants, including phytochemicals, are important in mitigating oxidative stress and its associated diseases.
• Further research into the "oxidative interface" can reveal new therapeutic targets.