Oxidants, antioxidants and diseases--a brief review

Although oxygen (O2) is needed to the body, partially reduced forms of O2 and some of their derivatives collectively called reactive oxygen species (ROS), are highly toxic prooxidants to the body. To prevent ROS toxicity body's endogenous and exogenous antioxidants (AOS) act in concert. To maintain health a balance between pro and anti oxidants is very necessary.