The Complexity of Oxidative Stress in Human Age-Related Diseases—A Review

The aging process is a complex and dynamic phenomenon influenced by genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors. One of the key contributors to aging and age-related diseases is oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the efficien...

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Main Authors: Alicja Płóciniczak, Ewelina Bukowska-Olech, Ewa Wysocka
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Metabolites
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/15/7/479
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author Alicja Płóciniczak
Ewelina Bukowska-Olech
Ewa Wysocka
author_facet Alicja Płóciniczak
Ewelina Bukowska-Olech
Ewa Wysocka
author_sort Alicja Płóciniczak
collection DOAJ
description The aging process is a complex and dynamic phenomenon influenced by genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors. One of the key contributors to aging and age-related diseases is oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the efficiency of antioxidant defense systems. In this review, we introduce the concept of the oxidative stress complexity—a network encompassing ROS-generating systems, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and genetic determinants that collectively shape redox homeostasis. Emerging research highlights the significant influence of genetic variability on the activity and expression of selected and most examined antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), thereby modulating individual susceptibility to oxidative damage, disease onset, and the pace of aging. Particular attention is paid to the interplay among oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of various age-related disorders. By integrating findings from molecular studies, clinical research, and population genetics, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic potential of antioxidant enzymes as biomarkers of aging and explore strategies for redox-modulating interventions. Understanding these interrelations is essential for identifying biomarkers of biological aging and developing personalized strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging and reducing the risk of chronic disease.
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spelling doaj-art-8df1b4fa6e214446bbc9749152a933ff2025-08-20T03:32:32ZengMDPI AGMetabolites2218-19892025-07-0115747910.3390/metabo15070479The Complexity of Oxidative Stress in Human Age-Related Diseases—A ReviewAlicja Płóciniczak0Ewelina Bukowska-Olech1Ewa Wysocka2Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 84 Szamarzewskiego Str., 60-569 Poznań, PolandDepartment of Laboratory Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 84 Szamarzewskiego Str., 60-569 Poznań, PolandDepartment of Laboratory Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 84 Szamarzewskiego Str., 60-569 Poznań, PolandThe aging process is a complex and dynamic phenomenon influenced by genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors. One of the key contributors to aging and age-related diseases is oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the efficiency of antioxidant defense systems. In this review, we introduce the concept of the oxidative stress complexity—a network encompassing ROS-generating systems, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and genetic determinants that collectively shape redox homeostasis. Emerging research highlights the significant influence of genetic variability on the activity and expression of selected and most examined antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), thereby modulating individual susceptibility to oxidative damage, disease onset, and the pace of aging. Particular attention is paid to the interplay among oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of various age-related disorders. By integrating findings from molecular studies, clinical research, and population genetics, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic potential of antioxidant enzymes as biomarkers of aging and explore strategies for redox-modulating interventions. Understanding these interrelations is essential for identifying biomarkers of biological aging and developing personalized strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging and reducing the risk of chronic disease.https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/15/7/479oxidative stressantioxidant activityreactive oxygen speciesage-related disordersgenetic predisposition
spellingShingle Alicja Płóciniczak
Ewelina Bukowska-Olech
Ewa Wysocka
The Complexity of Oxidative Stress in Human Age-Related Diseases—A Review
Metabolites
oxidative stress
antioxidant activity
reactive oxygen species
age-related disorders
genetic predisposition
title The Complexity of Oxidative Stress in Human Age-Related Diseases—A Review
title_full The Complexity of Oxidative Stress in Human Age-Related Diseases—A Review
title_fullStr The Complexity of Oxidative Stress in Human Age-Related Diseases—A Review
title_full_unstemmed The Complexity of Oxidative Stress in Human Age-Related Diseases—A Review
title_short The Complexity of Oxidative Stress in Human Age-Related Diseases—A Review
title_sort complexity of oxidative stress in human age related diseases a review
topic oxidative stress
antioxidant activity
reactive oxygen species
age-related disorders
genetic predisposition
url https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/15/7/479
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