Revisiting ROS: duality in organ aging progression.
Mohan Yu1, Shiyi Liu1, Chenxin Zhang1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
Molecular Biology Reports
|December 15, 2025
Summary
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dual role in aging, contributing to macromolecular damage but also acting as signaling molecules. Understanding this complex relationship is key to addressing aging and related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and cellular biology
- Molecular mechanisms of aging
- Oxidative stress and disease
Background:
- Organ function declines with age, necessitating research into aging mechanisms.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase with age, causing macromolecular damage.
- The precise role of ROS in aging remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human organ system aging.
- To reassess the relationship between ROS and the aging process.
- To explore potential interventions for aging-related diseases by understanding ROS signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ROS and aging.
- Analysis of the dual role of ROS in various human organ systems.
- Synthesis of current understanding of ROS in aging processes.
Main Results:
- ROS contribute to macromolecular damage during aging.
- ROS also function as crucial signaling molecules in cellular stress responses.
- The impact of ROS on aging is complex and multifaceted.
Conclusions:
- The aging process involves both the damaging and signaling roles of ROS.
- Further investigation into ROS signaling pathways is crucial for understanding aging.
- Targeting ROS pathways may offer new strategies for combating aging-related diseases.
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