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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
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Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species ROS in Cancers
Published on: November 21, 2011
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Reactive oxygen species in ovarian physiology.
1Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Reproductive, Pediatric and Infectious Science, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Minamikogushi, Ube, Japan.
Reproductive Medicine and Biology
|April 28, 2018
Summary
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated from oxygen, causing oxidative stress. This review highlights ROS and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as crucial regulators in ovarian function and reproductive physiology.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Aerobic cells face an oxygen paradox: essential for life but generates damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defenses.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key antioxidant enzyme that scavenges superoxide radicals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their scavenging systems in reproductive physiology.
- To investigate the potential of ROS and SOD as local regulators of ovarian function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ROS, oxidative stress, and SOD in reproductive processes.
- Analysis of existing research on local factors regulating ovarian function.
Main Results:
- ROS are generated and SOD is expressed in the ovary, suggesting a regulatory role.
- ROS and SOD systems are implicated in follicular development, oocyte maturation, ovulation, corpus luteum function, and follicular atresia.
Conclusions:
- Reactive oxygen species and their scavenging systems, particularly SOD, play significant roles in various aspects of ovarian function and reproductive physiology.
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