Harnessing antioxidants to counter oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a pathological biochemical process caused by an excessive increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to the native antioxidant capacity generated during metabolic processes. High ROS levels are cytotoxic to cells, resulting in oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids and ultimately triggering apoptosis. Antioxidants capture and neutralize oxygen free radicals and play a crucial role in effectively intervening or reducing ROS levels. Excessive ROS has been reported to be tightly linked with events that induce inflammation, cell transformation, angiogenesis, and tumor cell survival and invasion, resulting in tumor development, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and other pathologies. This review focuses on the source and regulatory mechanisms of oxidative stress and discusses potential therapeutic strategies for intervening in related diseases using antioxidants.