Oxidative stress describes a state of imbalance between oxidants and antioxidant defense mechanisms in the body. When oxidants (e.g., ROS, reactive nitrogen species (RNS)) outweigh the body’s natural antioxidant defenses (e.g., antioxidant enzymes, glutathione), cellular damage can occur, including damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. This is thought to contribute to the development or worsening of a wide range of diseases.[1]
What is oxidative stress?
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•Last Updated: April 23, 2025
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between oxidants and the body's antioxidant defenses, which leads to potential cellular damage when oxidants exceed these defenses. This condition is believed to play a role in the development or worsening of various diseases.