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Published on: March 5, 2018
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.
Abstract:
Aging is a complex degenerative process characterized by the accumulation of molecular damage and a heightened susceptibility to disease. The oxidative stress theory of aging identifies endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) as primary drivers of this cellular deterioration. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical, yet underappreciated, interplay between oxidative stress and the complement system, a powerful effector of innate immunity. We detail the mechanistic pathways through which redox imbalance directly activates complement components and, conversely, how complement activation amplifies oxidative stress, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates tissue damage. A central focus is placed on how this redox-complement axis contributes to the pathophysiology of age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Furthermore, the review explores emerging therapeutic strategies that target this interaction, highlighting the potential of antioxidant and complement-inhibitory approaches to disrupt this cycle and promote healthy aging. By synthesizing current evidence, this work underscores the significance of the redox-complement network as a key mechanistic link in aging and its associated diseases.
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