Definition

Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused when there are too much reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body that our body can not manage properly.

Mechanisms

ROS have some necessary roles like cells signaling, however when they are too much, they can lead to cells damage.

Oxidative stress is responsible of several diseases (i.e., cancer, diabetes, metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases).

Oxidative stress is typically seen as harmful for our body, however can be useful to treat diseases like cancer. I think this is because oxidative stress contributes to damage and therefore eliminate cancerous cells.

Cells have an antioxidant defensive system to protect themselves from cells damage due to ROS.

Causes

Some causes of excessive production of ROS are:

• Immune cell activation
• Chronic inflammation
• Ischemia
• Infection
• Cancer
• Excessive exercise
• Mental stress
• Aging
• Exposure to:
  • Environmental pollutants
  • Heavy metals
  • Certain drugs
  • Chemical solvents
  • Cooking (smoked meat, used oil, and fat)
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Alcohol
  • Radiations

Related Questions:

• How to reduce the risk to develop oxidative stress

Related Topics:

• Health

References

• Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health | 2017 | G Pizzino, N Irrera, M Cucinotta, G Pallio, F Mannino, V Arcoraci, F Squadrito, D Altavilla, A Bitto