What is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses. [1] The body’s cells produce free radicals, which are nitrogen- or oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons [2], during normal metabolic processes. [3] Meanwhile, cells also produce antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals to prevent excessive cell and tissue damage. In general, the body is able to maintain a balance between antioxidants and free radicals. [3] However, this balance could be disrupted under certain conditions or environmental stress or infection, and uncontrolled oxidative stress can accelerate the aging process.[3]

Effects of Oxidative Stress on the Body

Free radicals play an essential role in several biological processes. Many of these are necessary for life, such as the intracellular destruction of bacteria by phagocytes, especially by granulocytes and macrophages. [4] Consequently, an excessive production of the free radicals determines structural modification of cellular proteins and the alteration of their functions, leading to cellular dysfunction and disruption of vital cellular processes. [5][6] Oxidative stress therefore could create damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in an individual’s body [2], contributing to a series of diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammatory conditions, high blood pressure, and could even promote cancer development. [2] Factors leading to oxidative stress include a diet high in sugar, fat, and alcohol, as well as an environment with high pollution and radiation. [2][3]

Source: MedicineNet

How ABclonal Can Help

Although much research is performed to alleviate the effects of oxidative stress on the cells and body, many scientists have also began to consider this phenomenon as an exploitable resource in treating diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders. To assist you in your studies of free radicals, antioxidants, and how the body responds to oxidative stress, ABclonal offers a wide array of antibody products targeting the enzymes and markers associated with the maintenance of reactive oxygen species. A selection of our catalog is shown in the table below.

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10693912/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324863#what-is-it
4. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.00694/full
5. Finkel, T., and Holbrook, N. J. (2000). Oxidants, oxidative stress and the biology of ageing. Nature 408, 239–247. doi: 10.1038/35041687
6. Kaminski, K. A., Bonda, T. A., Korecki, J., and Musial, W. J. (2002). Oxidative stress and neutrophil activation—the two keystones of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Int. J. Cardiol. 86, 41–59. doi: 10.1016/s0167-5273(02)00189-4