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Antioxidants Versus Reactive Oxygen Species – A Tug of War for Human Benefits?

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Systems Biology of Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Abstract

The complex network of metabolic processes and reactions within the integrated system of aerobic life hinges largely on the presence of oxygen. Utilization of this highly reactive molecule in biological systems under normal metabolism and xenobiotic exposure inevitably results in the generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may lead to oxidative stress and hence damage to key molecular species. Oxidative damage has been implicated as the key factor in accelerated pathogenesis of a number of human diseases including cardiovascular, inflammatory, cancer, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases. ROS also play defined functions through redox modifications of a great diversity of molecules, participating in a number of signaling pathways among other beneficial roles of its dual effect in the human metabolism. To maintain a steady balance between the toxicity of the oxidizing effects of ROS and the desired benefits, the elaborate antioxidant defense mechanism, which comprises endogenous and exogenous components, stages a constant reactive fight against excess ROS. However, the bioavailability of especially dietary antioxidants in sufficient concentrations within the human system is key to the success of this defensive war. An array of other physiological and physical variables and pharmacokinetic parameters such as absorption, distribution, and metabolism also contributes to the complex ultimate fate and effect of dietary antioxidants in humans.

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Acknowledgments

This work was made possible by a fellowship from the Claude Leon Foundation to ARN.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa

    Ashwell R. Ndhlala, Bhekumthetho Ncube & Johannes van Staden

Authors
  1. Ashwell R. Ndhlala
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  2. Bhekumthetho Ncube
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  3. Johannes van Staden
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Correspondence to Johannes van Staden .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Ismail Laher

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Ndhlala, A.R., Ncube, B., van Staden, J. (2014). Antioxidants Versus Reactive Oxygen Species – A Tug of War for Human Benefits?. In: Laher, I. (eds) Systems Biology of Free Radicals and Antioxidants. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-30018-9_181

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