Association of Peroxisomes, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Antioxidants: Insights from Preclinical and Clinical Evaluations

Abstract

Peroxisome function has long been associated with oxygen metabolism. High concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2−) producing oxidases are in the set of peroxisomes and their antioxidant enzymes, especially catalase. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can certainly be considered as an intracellular multifunctional biological factor which are released and scevenged in peroxisomes. They are known to be involved in normal cellular functions such as signaling mediators, overproduction under oxidative stress conditions leading to adverse cellular effects, cell death, and various other pathological conditions. This review provides an insight into the relationship between peroxisomes and ROS, which are emerging as key players in the dynamic rotation of ROS metabolism and oxidative damage. Various conditions upset the balance between ROS production and removal in peroxisomes. The current review also targets the ROS-inhibiting enzymes and exemplifying the effects of antioxidants in pre-clinical and clinical evaluation of natural and herbal supplements.