EC Pharmacology and Toxicology

The imbalance between the reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defenses of the body defines a condition known as oxidative stress, which causes cellular damage and is involved in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. ROS are generated in normal metabolic conditions, especially in mitochondria, and an overproduction of ROS causes damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, accelerating tissue dysfunction and aging. On the other hand, exogenous factors include those associated with the environment, inflammation, and lifestyle that tip the balance towards ROS production. Representative enzymatic antioxidants are superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; representative non-enzymatic antioxidants include vitamins C and E. Such all aid in neutralizing ROS and are thus protective of health. It is thus suggested that OS is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cardiovascular disorders, whereby it promotes inflammation, DNA damage, and functional loss in cellular homeostasis. Prevention of oxidative stress involves the enhancement of antioxidant mechanisms, minimization of environmental pollution, and a healthy lifestyle, including adequate exercise and proper nutrition. There are also some approaches on how pharmacological agents can activate mechanisms supporting the body's defense against oxidative damage, such as gene regulation strategies like the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. The key to minimizing diseases associated with oxidative stress, for better health and longevity, may lie in maintaining a critical balance between the production of ROS and antioxidant activity.

 Keywords: Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Cancer; Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD); Inflammation

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