Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.
To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to upgrade your browser.
International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences
The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidants in Oxidative Stress2016 •
Under normal conditions, the physiologically important intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are maintained at low levels by various antioxidant systems in the body but at high concentrations, they produce adverse modifications to cell components such as lipids, proteins and DNA. In humans, oxidative stress is involved in the development of cancer, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, fragile X syndrome, sickle cell disease, lichen planus, vitiligo, autism, infection, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. However, reactive oxygen species can be beneficial, as they are used by the immune system as a way to attack and kill pathogens, also short-term oxidative stress is important in the prevention of aging by induction of mitohormesis. ROS can be from endogenous or exogenous sources and they are produced from molecular oxygen as a result of normal cellular metabolism, they are divided into free radicals and non-radicals. The major endogenous sources of ROS of physiological importance are superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, peroxyl radical and hydroperoxyl radical while the exogenous sources of ROS include cigarette smoke, ozone exposure, hyperoxia, ionizing radiation and heavy metal ions. Aerobic organisms have integrated antioxidant systems, which include enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant that are usually effective in blocking harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. Enzymatic defense is a system of enzymes which includes glutathione peroxidases, superoxide dismutases and catalase, which decrease the concentration of the most harmful ROS whereas non-enzymatic antioxidants include low molecular weight compounds such as vitamins C and E, β-carotene, uric acid and glutathione. Humans have a complex antioxidant protection system, which functions interactively and synergistically to neutralize free radicals and knowledge as presented in this review will be important in the management of oxidative stress and its associated diseases.
The term “antioxidant” refers to any molecule capable of deactivating free radicals or reactive oxygen species. Free radicals are atoms, molecules or ions with unpaired electrons that are highly unstable. Free radicals derive from three elements: oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. Free radical can be classified into oxygen-centered radicals and oxygen-centered non radicals. Superoxide anion (•O2 –), hydroxyl radical (•OH), alkoxyl radical (RO•), peroxyl radical (ROO•), nitric oxide (NO•), nitric dioxide (NO2•) and peroxynitrite (OONO–) are the various example of free radicals. Oxygen centered non-radicals are hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and singlet oxygen (1O2), Hypochlorous acid and Ozone. Free radicals causes’ oxidative damage of cellular DNA, protein and lipids, resulting in the development of various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cataract, rheumatoid arthritis, or different neurodegenerative diseases. The body resists the functions of reactive oxygen species by utilizing enzymatic antioxidant e.g superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidases, glutathione reductase and catalase. Non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols can hunt the reactive oxygen species. Endogenous compounds such as glutathione, ubiquinol, urate, bilirubin are also engaged in the detoxification of ROS.
Current Neuropharmacology
Oxidative Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review of Upstream and Downstream Antioxidant Therapeutic Options2009 •
Antioxidants are essential and important for plants and animals’ sustenance. They are substances that protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. The sources and origin of antioxidants which include fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry and fish were treated in this study. The types of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, glutathione, melatonin, tocopherols and tocotrienols were reported. The classification and characteristics of antioxidant; its measurements and level in food and free radicals were also documented. The Chemistry of antioxidants which include chain reactions, molecular structures, food antioxidants and reaction mechanisms, bio-chemical activity and effects of antioxidants were also reviewed. Further, the medicinal applications, pharmacological effects, therapeutic properties and future choice of antioxidants were reported in this review.
All living organisms utilize oxygen to metabolize and use the dietary nutrients in order to produce energy for survival. Oxygen thus is a vital component for living. Oxygen meditates chemical reactions that metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to produce energy. While oxygen is one of the most essential components for living, it is also a double edged sword. Oxygen is a highly reactive atom that is capable of becoming part of potentially damaging molecules commonly called free radicals. These free radicals are capable of attacking the healthy cells of the body. This may lead to damage, disease and severe disorders. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals or their actions. Nature has endowed each cell with adequate protective mechanisms against any harmful effects of free radicals: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, thioredoxin, thiols and disulfide bonding are buffering systems in every cell. α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) is an essential nutrient which functions as a chain-breaking antioxidant which prevents the propagation of free radical reactions in all cell membranes in the human body. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is also part of the normal protecting mechanism. Other non-enzymatic antioxidants include carotenoids, flavonoids and related polyphenols, α-lipoic acid, glutathione etc. This review article summarizes the functional role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species, reactive halogen species and their pathological importance.
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
Oxidative Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Looking for a Therapeutic Solution Inspired on Benzopyran Chemistry2014 •
British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research
Free Radicals: Health Implications and their Mitigation by Herbals2015 •
Chemico-biological Interactions
Free radicals, metals and antioxidants in oxidative stress-induced cancer2006 •
Indian journal of experimental biology
Free radicals and low-level photon emission in human pathogenesis: state of the art2008 •
Journal of Biomedical Science
Oxidative stress and its biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus2014 •
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Free radicals and antioxidants in normal physiological functions and human disease2007 •
Neurodegenerative Diseases - Processes, Prevention, Protection and Monitoring
Oxidative Stress and Neurodegenerative Disease2011 •
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
The Chemistry behind Antioxidant Capacity Assays2005 •
Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Status of antioxidant defense and lipid peroxidation in schizophrenics with positive, negative and cognitive symptoms2013 •
Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods
Fluorescence probes used for detection of reactive oxygen species2005 •
Periodontology 2000
The role of reactive oxygen and antioxidant species in periodontal tissue destruction2007 •
Journal of Pineal Research
A review of the evidence supporting melatonin's role as an antioxidant1995 •
Current Neuropharmacology
Cellular and Biochemical Actions of Melatonin which Protect Against Free Radicals: Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders2008 •
Chemico-Biological Interactions
Oxidative stress associated with exercise, psychological stress and life-style factors1996 •
Progress in Lipid Research
Evaluation of the ability of antioxidants to counteract lipid oxidation: Existing methods, new trends and challenges2007 •
Recent patents on inflammation & allergy drug discovery
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as a major cause of age-related diseases and cancer2009 •
BioMed Research International
Oxidative Stress, Prooxidants, and Antioxidants: The Interplay2014 •
Journal of Health Science
Therapeutic Efficacy of Kalpaamruthaa on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Status in Experimental Mammary Carcinoma in Rats2006 •