The Role of Free Radicals and Reactive Oxygen Species in Biological Systems-A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
A free radical is an atom, molecule, or compound that is highly unstable because of its atomic or molecular structure (i.e., the distribution of electrons within the molecule). This instability makes free radicals very reactive, and they attempt to pair up with other molecules, atoms, or even individual electrons to create a stable compound. To achieve a more stable state, free radicals can “steal” a hydrogen atom from another molecule, bind to another molecule, or interact in various ways with other free radicals.
Free radicals play an important role in a cell's life and death. These are unstable/unpaired electrons in their outermost shell and may become highly reactive. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated from molecular oxygen/nitrogen through Electron Transport Chain (ETC), cytochrome P450, and other cellular and sub-cellular functions. They affect beneficial metabolic and cellular processes and also play a key role in pathological conditions of the body. It is normally balanced by an endogenous antioxidant system. Imbalances in redox status may develop cellular oxidative stress. If the endogenous antioxidants fail to overcome the reactive metabolites production, then exogenous antioxidants would be necessary to balance redox status. Dietary sources, including plants, herbs, spices, vitamins, and herbal extracts, play an important role in this regard.
Excess of everything is harmful such as no oxygen supply will prevent aerobes to live and similarly 100% oxygen can also lead to the death of aerobes. Excessive ROS can cause chronic diseases including cancer but inflammation cannot be controlled without ROS. Also excess or decrease of ROS can affect fertility.
This review article summarizes the functional role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), its origin, and pathological importance. Elevated rates of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been detected in almost all cancers, where they promote many aspects of tumor development and progression.
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