Molecular Crosstalk Between Redox Signaling and Intestinal Health: The Role of Dietary Antioxidants
A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 21
Special Issue Editors
Interests: dietary antioxidants; redox signaling; plant bioactive compounds; inflammation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Diet plays a dual role in intestinal health: while it provides nutrients and bioactive compounds that sustain physiological functions, it also represents a source of harmful substances such as contaminants, additives, and processing-derived molecules. These agents can trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory responses at the intestinal epithelium, compromising barrier integrity and contributing to the onset and progression of chronic inflammatory diseases. The persistent activation of NF-κB pathways and disruption of redox balance are key mechanisms through which dietary toxicants—in a similar manner to certain drugs, chronic ethanol consumption, and high-calorie diets—contribute to intestinal inflammation.
In contrast, dietary antioxidants—including polyphenols, terpenes, organosulfur compounds, and betalains—exert protective effects in both in vitro and in vivo models of intestinal inflammation. They counteract oxidative stress, modulate NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling, influence epigenetic regulation, and help preserve tight junction integrity. Furthermore, melatonin—a well-known antioxidant that can be administered orally either as a supplement or as phytomelatonin from plant sources—has also emerged as a potential adjunct in IBD management by regulating mucosal immunity, microbiota composition, and oxidative stress.
This Special Issue will focus on the biological activity of dietary antioxidants—either as purified compounds or within plant food extracts—and their role in modulating redox signaling, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, and counteracting inflammation. Contributions addressing molecular mechanisms, experimental evidence, translational studies, or examinations of their potential impacts on human health are particularly welcome.
Dr. Carla Gentile
Dr. Graziella Serio
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- redox signaling
- intestinal inflammation
- dietary antioxidants
- NF-κB signaling
- Nrf2 signaling
- epigenetic regulation
- tight junctions
- polyphenols
- melatonin
- phytomelatonin
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