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'''Oxidative stress''' is a critical factor in the aging process and is believed to contribute significantly to the deterioration of physiological functions over time. This concept has been supported by extensive research and studies over the years. | '''Oxidative stress''' is a critical factor in the aging process and is believed to contribute significantly to the deterioration of physiological functions over time. This concept has been supported by extensive research and studies over the years. | ||
Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify these reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage.{{pmid|28441057}} | == Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) == | ||
Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between the production of '''reactive oxygen species (ROS)''' and the body's ability to detoxify these reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage.{{pmid|28441057}} ROS are highly reactive molecules, including free radicals like superoxide radicals (O<sub>2</sub><sup>-</sup>), hydroxyl radicals (OH<sup>.</sup>), and non-radical species such as hydrogen peroxides (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>).{{pmid|23434764}} | |||
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are primarily produced by the mitochondria during normal metabolic processes, with the electron transport chain being a significant source.{{pmid|31733333}} The production of ROS is a complex process involving the reduction of oxygen molecules, leading to a cascade of other ROS. | |||
Additionally, ROS are produced through various physiological and pathological processes, including cellular respiration and inflammatory responses.{{pmid|23063822}} Their generation and subsequent conversion involve enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which play crucial roles in controlling oxidative stress. | |||
==The Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging== | ==The Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging== | ||
The oxidative stress theory of aging posits that the gradual accumulation of oxidative damage to biomolecules is a primary driver of the aging process. This damage increases with age and correlates with a decline in life expectancy in various organisms.{{doi|10.1016/S1566-2772(03)00007-0}} Oxidative damage affects multiple aspects of aging and is a key factor in many age-related diseases. Particularly, telomeres are highly susceptible to oxidative damage, which can lead to accelerated aging and increased risk of age-related diseases.{{pmid|10911951}}{{pmid|12114022}}{{pmid|26785477}} | The oxidative stress theory of aging posits that the gradual accumulation of oxidative damage to biomolecules is a primary driver of the aging process. This damage increases with age and correlates with a decline in life expectancy in various organisms.{{doi|10.1016/S1566-2772(03)00007-0}} Oxidative damage affects multiple aspects of aging and is a key factor in many age-related diseases. Particularly, telomeres are highly susceptible to oxidative damage, which can lead to accelerated aging and increased risk of age-related diseases.{{pmid|10911951}}{{pmid|12114022}}{{pmid|26785477}} | ||
==Controversy and Complexity in Oxidative Stress Research== | ==Controversy and Complexity in Oxidative Stress Research== | ||
While there is substantial evidence linking oxidative damage to aging, the direct relationship between oxidative stress and aging is not conclusively established.{{pmid|12208343}} ROS have complex roles in the body, contributing to cellular homeostasis at physiological levels but causing damage when in excess.{{pmid|28441057}} This dual role is embodied in the concept of mitohormesis, where low levels of ROS can be beneficial. | While there is substantial evidence linking oxidative damage to aging, the direct relationship between oxidative stress and aging is not conclusively established.{{pmid|12208343}} ROS have complex roles in the body, contributing to cellular homeostasis at physiological levels but causing damage when in excess.{{pmid|28441057}} This dual role is embodied in the concept of mitohormesis, where low levels of ROS can be beneficial. |