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Antioxidants
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Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental...
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Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes

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 October 2026 | Viewed by 15473

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Paola Irato

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
Interests: physiological responses of animals to environmental conditions where there are chemical contaminants that can also induce oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this Special Issue, entitled “Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes”, we aim to consider the different antioxidant responses that organisms of all kingdoms put in place following exposure to stressors of both a physical and chemical nature. For example, heat stress is one of the most severe hurdles impacting growth, immunity, homeostasis, and productivity.

The phototoxicity of several environmental contaminants by UV light has been reported in many studies.

Elevated CO2 and O3, singly and in combination, have effects on various physiological and biochemical parameters.

Among the xenobiotics that can cause oxidative stress, heavy metals and benzopyrene are common.

Many classes of compounds, including organophosphorus pesticides, are able to cause oxidative stress that affects the regulation of the delicate cellular redox balance, for example, tissue modeling.

Oxidative stress is, therefore, overcome by antioxidant defenses.

Therefore, in this Special Issue, we aim to collate the most recent studies regarding the different environmental factors that can disturb the normal physiological redox state, considering both the effects and response mechanisms.

Dr. Paola Irato
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antioxidant defenses
  • oxidative stress
  • redox state
  • physical stress
  • chemical stress
  • environmental changes
  • kingdoms living
  • heat stress
  • UV light
  • CO2 and O3
  • heavy metals

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 2299 KB  
Article
Alterations of Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, and Antioxidant Function of Brown Adipose Tissue in Mice Exposed to Cold
by Xuekai Zhang, Xiao Jin, Zhipeng Han, Min Jiang and Binlin Shi
Antioxidants 2026, 15(4), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15040476 - 11 Apr 2026
Viewed by 746
Abstract
Cold exposure is an unavoidable stressor in cold regions, leading to growth retardation, oxidative damage, and endocrine disruption. This study investigated changes in blood parameters and antioxidant function in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of mice exposed to cold. Sixteen naturally mated female [...] Read more.
Cold exposure is an unavoidable stressor in cold regions, leading to growth retardation, oxidative damage, and endocrine disruption. This study investigated changes in blood parameters and antioxidant function in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of mice exposed to cold. Sixteen naturally mated female mice (aged 70 days) were selected and divided into a control group (CON, n = 8, 25 ± 1 °C) and a cold exposure group (CE, n = 8, 4 ± 1 °C). Each pregnant female gave birth to approximately 12 pups, and the litter (dams and pups co-housed) served as the independent experimental unit, with both euthanized for sampling when the pups reached 20 days of age. Results showed that cold exposure increased ADFI and ADG but decreased the feed conversion rate (FCR) in lactating mice. It also decreased platelet count (PLT) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and decreased TG and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. Hormonal changes included increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), apelin 12 (AP12), INS, NE, decreased cortisol (COR), LEP, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In pups, cold exposure inhibited growth, reduced PLT, plateletcrit (PCT), red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin (HGB), altered lipid profiles, and induced hormonal shifts. Notably, cold exposure enhanced the BAT antioxidant capacity in pups, increasing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and antioxidant enzyme activities, as supported by gene expression. These findings suggest that, despite growth suppression, mice maintain homeostasis by modulating blood parameters and enhancing BAT antioxidant function to mitigate cold-induced damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes)
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28 pages, 9454 KB  
Article
Integrative Transcriptomic and Network Analysis of Hemocyte Volume Plasticity and Redox Regulation Under Osmotic Stress in Penaeus monodon
by Sheng Huang, Falin Zhou, Qibin Yang, Song Jiang, Jilin Chen, Jie Xiong, Erchao Li and Yundong Li
Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010147 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Osmotic stress affects ion transport and cell hydration, potentially disrupting redox homeostasis through altered proteostasis and mitochondrial metabolism. However, how immune hemocytes coordinate volume regulation with these stress-linked processes, particularly oxidative stress and antioxidant responses, remains unclear in crustaceans. This study integrated quantitative [...] Read more.
Osmotic stress affects ion transport and cell hydration, potentially disrupting redox homeostasis through altered proteostasis and mitochondrial metabolism. However, how immune hemocytes coordinate volume regulation with these stress-linked processes, particularly oxidative stress and antioxidant responses, remains unclear in crustaceans. This study integrated quantitative cytology, RNA sequencing, and network analysis to profile hemocyte volume plasticity in the euryhaline shrimp Penaeus monodon across a salinity gradient. Hemocytes were incubated for 24 h in hypoosmotic, isosmotic, and hyperosmotic media, with significant volume shifts observed while maintaining membrane integrity and morphology. The permeability of solutes (urea and sorbitol) suggested that volume adjustment is coupled with solute transport. Transcriptomic analyses identified key salinity-responsive pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, MAPK signaling, ribosome biogenesis, and antioxidant defense mechanisms, underscoring the activation of redox-regulatory systems under osmotic stress. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis highlighted ribosomal proteins as central hubs in a salinity-responsive module, with qRT-PCR confirming the co-regulation of these hubs alongside representative osmoregulatory and antioxidant genes (AQP4, Na+/K+-ATPase, HSP70, CHOP, and antioxidant enzymes). These findings reveal how hemocyte volume dynamics are coupled to redox regulation, providing a mechanistic framework for understanding osmotic stress–redox coupling in crustacean immune cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes)
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20 pages, 2441 KB  
Article
Magnesium Promotes Growth–Metabolism Balance in Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Modulates Antioxidant–Inflammatory–Apoptotic Responses Under Heat Stress
by Junjie Qin, Dongyu Huang, Hualiang Liang, Xiaoru Chen, Jiaze Gu, Mingchun Ren and Lu Zhang
Antioxidants 2025, 14(12), 1394; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14121394 - 23 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1049
Abstract
This study addressed the optimal magnesium (Mg) requirement for juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and assessed the effects of dietary Mg supplementation on growth performance, nutrient metabolism, and alleviation of heat stress in it. In this study, six diets with varying [...] Read more.
This study addressed the optimal magnesium (Mg) requirement for juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and assessed the effects of dietary Mg supplementation on growth performance, nutrient metabolism, and alleviation of heat stress in it. In this study, six diets with varying Mg levels (1.01, 1.26, 1.78, 2.24, 2.35, and 2.51 g/kg), designated as MG1, MG2, MG3, MG4, MG5, and MG6, respectively, were formulated using MgSO4·7H2O as the Mg source. These diets were fed to juvenile M. salmoides (initial body weight 2.27 ± 0.02 g) for 8 weeks. The growth performance of the MG4 group was significantly improved. In addition, Plasma GLU, LDL-C, and TG levels were significantly reduced in the MG4 group, while plasma HDL-C levels were increased. In terms of gene expression, glut2, g6pdh, ppar-γ, fas, elovl2, acc, and igf-1 were significantly upregulated in the MG4 and MG5 groups, while g6pase and ppar-α were significantly downregulated in the MG5 group. In the heat stress test, MG4 group exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by decreased plasma MDA levels and increased CAT activity, coupled with enhanced gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Gene expression results also showed that il-10 and bcl-2 were significantly upregulated in the MG4 group, while nf-κb, ifn-γ, il-8, tnf-α, casp3, casp8, bax, jnk2 and ask1 were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, the results of TUNEL immunofluorescence labeling analysis showed that the apoptotic index was significantly decreased in the MG2-MG6 groups. Overall, appropriate dietary Mg levels promoted growth performance, improved glucose metabolism, and induced lipid deposition in juvenile M. salmoides. Notably, Mg reduced oxidative damage by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby modulating heat stress-induced Antioxidant–Inflammatory–Apoptotic of juvenile M. salmoides. Based on quadratic regression analysis of SGR and FCR, the optimal Mg requirement for juvenile M. salmoides was 2.04, and 2.15 g/kg, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes)
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17 pages, 3609 KB  
Article
Nrf2 Activated by PD-MSCs Attenuates Oxidative Stress in a Hydrogen Peroxide-Injured Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line
by Se Jin Hong, Dae-Hyun Lee, Jeong Woo Choi, Hankyu Lee, Youngje Sung and Gi Jin Kim
Antioxidants 2025, 14(11), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14111279 - 25 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1746
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal degenerative disease caused by oxidative stress. Thus, we aimed to reduce oxidative stress through the use of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs). To induce oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells, we treated them with 200 µM hydrogen [...] Read more.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal degenerative disease caused by oxidative stress. Thus, we aimed to reduce oxidative stress through the use of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs). To induce oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells, we treated them with 200 µM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 2 h and then cocultured them with PD-MSCs. The dissociation of the KEAP1/Nrf2 complex, along with the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT), increased in the coculture group compared with the H2O2 treatment group (* p < 0.05). The expression levels of antioxidant genes increased in the cocultured group compared with those in the H2O2 treatment group (* p < 0.05), whereas the ROS levels decreased in the cocultured group (* p < 0.05). Additionally, both the expression of mitochondrial dynamics markers and the mitochondrial membrane potential increased when the cells were cocultured with PD-MSCs (* p < 0.05). PD-MSC cocultivation decreased the expression levels of lipoproteins (* p < 0.05). Finally, we confirmed that PD-MSCs promoted the expression of RPE-specific genes in H2O2-injured ARPE-19 cells (* p < 0.05). These findings suggest a new aspect of stem cell treatment for AMD induced by oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes)
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16 pages, 5395 KB  
Article
In Vitro Anti-Aging Effects of Yeast/Rice Fermentation Filtrate Combined with Sialic Acid in Cosmetic Applications
by Fan Yang, Mingxuan Li, Yao Zuo, Lei Zhang, Jinyong Wu, Zhi Liu and Hua Wang
Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101184 - 28 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2246
Abstract
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major contributors to skin aging, promoting collagen degradation and impairing dermal structure. These factors stimulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, accelerating collagen breakdown and leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity. Given the key role of [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major contributors to skin aging, promoting collagen degradation and impairing dermal structure. These factors stimulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, accelerating collagen breakdown and leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity. Given the key role of collagen in maintaining skin firmness and integrity, strategies that enhance collagen synthesis are essential for anti-aging interventions. This study investigated the combined effects of Yeast/Rice Fermentation Filtrate (RFF) and sialic acid (SA) on collagen production, antioxidation, and anti-inflammation, as well as their underlying mechanisms. The combination of RFF and SA significantly increased collagen genes transcription and mRNA stability, thereby enhancing collagen accumulation in the extracellular matrix. RNA-seq analysis revealed that RFF and SA modulate genes involved in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Mechanistically, RFF enhanced collagen mRNA stability by regulating HuR, while SA promoted collagen gene transcription via the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Moreover, the combination reduced the expression of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, PGE2, and NO) and improved cellular resistance to oxidative and inflammatory stress. These findings support the application of RFF and SA in anti-aging cosmetics and propose a novel strategy to enhance collagen production by simultaneously upregulating gene expression and stabilizing collagen mRNA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes)
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17 pages, 3994 KB  
Article
Integrated Proteomics and Metabolomics Reveal Spermine Enhances Sperm Freezability via Antioxidant Pathways
by Lewei Guo, Zhuoxuan Gu, Bing Wang, Yunuo Wang, Jiaorong Chen, Yitong Li, Qiuju Zheng, Jing Zhao, He Ding, Hongyu Liu, Yi Fang, Jun Wang and Wenfa Lyu
Antioxidants 2025, 14(7), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14070861 - 14 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1989
Abstract
Sperm freezability exhibits marked individual variability, yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Using bulls as the experimental model, we integrated proteomic (sperm) and metabolomic (seminal plasma) analyses of high-freezability (HF) and control (CF) bulls to identify key biomarkers associated with sperm freezability. Post-thaw motility [...] Read more.
Sperm freezability exhibits marked individual variability, yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Using bulls as the experimental model, we integrated proteomic (sperm) and metabolomic (seminal plasma) analyses of high-freezability (HF) and control (CF) bulls to identify key biomarkers associated with sperm freezability. Post-thaw motility and membrane integrity were significantly higher in HF bulls (p < 0.05). Sperm proteome analysis revealed upregulated antioxidant proteins (PRDX2, GSTM4), heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP90), and key enzymes in arginine and proline metabolism (PRODH, LAP3). Seminal plasma metabolomics revealed elevated spermine in HF bulls. Meanwhile, we found that spermine abundance was positively correlated with post-thaw motility, as well as with the expression levels of both PRODH and LAP3 (r > 0.6, p < 0.05). Functional validation demonstrated that 200 μM spermine supplementation in cryopreservation extenders enhanced post-thaw motility, kinematic parameters (VAP, VSL, VCL), membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity (p < 0.05). Concurrently, spermine enhanced antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) activity and reduced ROS and MDA levels (p < 0.05). Our study reveals a spermine-driven antioxidant network coordinating sperm–seminal plasma synergy during cryopreservation, offering novel strategies for semen freezing optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes)
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14 pages, 1346 KB  
Article
Effects of Mogroside V on Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Boar Frozen–Thawed Sperm
by Heming Sui, Xin Wang, Kunlong Hu, Xiaoyu Zuo, Haonan Li, Zhengyu Diao, Jiajing Feng, Yunhai Zhang and Zubing Cao
Antioxidants 2025, 14(6), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14060622 - 23 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1881
Abstract
Cryopreserved pig semen tends to produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the thawing process, which leads to a decline in semen quality during in vitro storage. Mogroside V (MV) has been proven to be an effective antioxidant, and previous research has shown [...] Read more.
Cryopreserved pig semen tends to produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the thawing process, which leads to a decline in semen quality during in vitro storage. Mogroside V (MV) has been proven to be an effective antioxidant, and previous research has shown that MV can delay oocyte aging and improve the in vitro maturation efficiency of pig oocytes. However, the role of MV in the cryopreservation capacity of animal sperm remains unclear. To evaluate the effect of MV on sperm motility after thawing, different concentrations of MV (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 μmol/L) were added to the thawing medium. By comparing the sperm motility and kinematic parameters in the thawing medium with different MV concentrations and incubation times (0, 1, 2, and 4 h), we ultimately selected sperm thawed immediately in the medium supplemented with 75 μmol/L MV for subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, the sperm thawing medium containing MV improved sperm quality during the freeze–thaw process. Immediate evaluation after thawing at 37 °C showed that supplementation with 75 μmol/L MV produced an optimal effect on the maintenance of motility, plasma membrane integrity, the acrosome integrity, the ROS levels, and the T-AOC activity. In conclusion, MV supplementation improves the quality of frozen–thawed sperm by enhancing sperm function and preventing oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes)
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Review

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31 pages, 2338 KB  
Review
ROS Regulation and Antioxidant Responses in Plants Under Air Pollution: Molecular Signaling, Metabolic Adaptation, and Biotechnological Solutions
by Muhammad Junaid Rao, Mingzheng Duan, Muhammad Ikram and Bingsong Zheng
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080907 - 24 Jul 2025
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4433
Abstract
Air pollution acts as a pervasive oxidative stressor, disrupting global crop production and ecosystem health through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hazardous pollutants impair critical physiological processes—photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient uptake—triggering oxidative damage and yield losses. This review synthesizes current knowledge [...] Read more.
Air pollution acts as a pervasive oxidative stressor, disrupting global crop production and ecosystem health through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hazardous pollutants impair critical physiological processes—photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient uptake—triggering oxidative damage and yield losses. This review synthesizes current knowledge on plant defense mechanisms, emphasizing the integration of enzymatic (SOD, POD, CAT, APX, GPX, GR) and non-enzymatic (polyphenols, glutathione, ascorbate, phytochelatins) antioxidant systems to scavenge ROS and maintain redox homeostasis. We highlight the pivotal roles of transcription factors (MYB, WRKY, NAC) in orchestrating stress-responsive gene networks, alongside MAPK and phytohormone signaling (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene), in mitigating oxidative stress. Secondary metabolites (flavonoids, lignin, terpenoids) are examined as biochemical shields against ROS and pollutant toxicity, with evidence from transcriptomic and metabolomic studies revealing their biosynthetic regulation. Furthermore, we explore biotechnological strategies to enhance antioxidant capacity, including overexpression of ROS-scavenging genes (e.g., TaCAT3) and engineering of phenolic pathways. By addressing gaps in understanding combined stress responses, this review provides a roadmap for developing resilient crops through antioxidant-focused interventions, ensuring sustainability in polluted environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Defenses Against Stress Caused by Physical or Chemical Environmental Changes)
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