Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Molecules with Antioxidant Function

Dear Colleagues,

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are naturally produced during several cellular pathways of aerobic metabolism, including oxidative phosphorylation, electron transport chains in mitochondria, the activity of oxido-reductase enzymes, and immunological reactions, such as phagocytosis. Although in subtoxic concentrations, these molecules may act as second messengers in intracellular signal transduction pathways, and small deviations in their physiological concentrations can have dramatic effects, causing toxic insults to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Under basal conditions, the adverse effects of oxyradicals are prevented by the antioxidant system, consisting of a wide array of low molecular weight scavengers and antioxidant enzymes, which defend the cells against excess production of ROS and the risk of oxidative stress. A good antioxidant should: (1) specifically quench free radicals; (2) chelate redox metals; (3) interact with other antioxidants within the “antioxidant network”; (4) have a positive effect on gene expression; (5) be readily absorbed; and (6) work in both the aqueous and/or membrane domains.

This Special Issue examines some of the aspects surrounding the fields of oxidative stress risk and ROS scavenging, including gene expression and molecular evolution of antioxidant proteins, physiological responses and pathological effects of ROS, and ecotoxicological application of antioxidant biomarkers. Discussions of the various protective pathways that may be provided by the antioxidant network against oxidative damage are addressed.

Dr. Paola Irato
Dr. Gianfranco Santovito
Guest Editors

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