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Redox Regulation of Complement Pathway Activation in Aging and Related Diseases.
Shirin Ferdowsi1, Srividya Arjuna1, Sudharshan Sj1
1Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 71 S. Manassas St., Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Oxidative stress and the complement system create a damaging cycle accelerating aging and age-related diseases. Targeting this redox-complement axis offers potential therapeutic strategies for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Aging involves molecular damage and increased disease risk.
- Oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a key aging factor.
- The complement system is a crucial part of innate immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the interaction between oxidative stress and the complement system in aging.
- To explore how this interplay contributes to age-related diseases.
- To review potential therapeutic strategies targeting this axis.
Main Methods:
- Review of mechanistic pathways linking redox imbalance and complement activation.
- Analysis of the role of the redox-complement axis in age-related disease pathophysiology.
- Synthesis of evidence on therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Redox imbalance directly activates complement components.
- Complement activation amplifies oxidative stress, forming a detrimental cycle.
- This axis is implicated in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.
Conclusions:
- The redox-complement network is a significant mechanistic link in aging.
- Targeting this interaction with antioxidants or complement inhibitors may promote healthy aging.
- Further research into this axis is crucial for understanding and treating age-related conditions.
Keywords:
agingcomplement activationcomplement systemoxidative damageoxidative stressreactive oxygen speciesMore Related Videos
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