Reactive Oxygen Species: Beyond Their Reactive Behavior

The purpose of this newsletter, Enter Redox - Health Longevity, is to bridge the gap in understanding between scientific research on redox signaling and its practical applications in health and wellness. We aim to simplify complex science for our readers, covering topics like how redox signaling works in specific organs and systems, reviewing peer-reviewed research articles, conducting interviews with health professionals, and sharing insights into ASEA's groundbreaking redox signaling technology.

In this edition, we’ll be summarizing a peer-reviewed article titled Reactive Oxygen Species: Beyond Their Reactive Behavior. This article dives deep into the role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), once thought to be purely harmful byproducts of metabolism, and shows how they’re actually essential players in cell communication, growth, and survival. Our goal is to break down the key points in a way that’s easy to understand and directly relevant to how ROS and redox signaling can impact your health and longevity.

We cover similar in-depth topics regularly, offering a unique perspective on the role redox signaling plays in the brain, immune system, muscles, and aging. Whether you're new to the concept of redox signaling or well-versed in health technologies, this summary will provide clear and useful insights into the innate role these powerful molecules work within everything living thing.

Let's explore the science behind ROS and why understanding these molecules is key to unlocking optimal health.

Abstract

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are molecules produced in the body, especially in the mitochondria, as part of normal cell activity. Originally, they were seen only as harmful byproducts, causing damage to proteins, fats, and DNA. This led to issues like aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, newer research shows that ROS have important functions beyond causing damage. ROS help cells communicate, grow, and survive. In this article, we explore how ROS work, where they come from, how the body controls them with antioxidants, and their role in aging, disease, and brain health.

Introduction

Cells need energy to function, and this energy comes from the mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouse. During energy production, mitochondria also make ROS as byproducts. In the past, we thought that ROS was only harmful, damaging cells and speeding up aging. However, scientists now know that ROS aren’t all bad. In fact, when produced in small amounts, ROS help cells grow, communicate, and respond to stress. The key is balance—too much ROS can cause damage, but the right amount supports healthy cell functions and overall well-being.

Nature of Reactive Species

Reactive species, including ROS, are molecules with oxygen that are more reactive than oxygen alone. Some of these molecules are radicals, which have unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive. Superoxide (O2??) and hydroxyl radicals (OH?) are examples. Non-radical ROS, like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are also reactive but more stable. ROS aren’t alone—Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS), like nitric oxide (NO?), also play a role in signaling within cells. Together, these reactive species help regulate important cell processes, but they can cause harm if not controlled properly.

Sources of Reactive Species

ROS come from two main sources. First, they are created naturally inside cells during mitochondrial energy production. The process of making energy can lead to the leaking of electrons, which form superoxide, a type of ROS. Another key source is NADPH oxidase, an enzyme activated by the immune system or during inflammation. This enzyme helps fight infections by producing ROS to kill harmful invaders. External factors like pollution, cigarette smoke, and UV light can also increase ROS levels. These external sources add stress to the body’s natural defenses and can lead to cell damage if they become too much to handle.

Antioxidant Mechanisms

The body has built-in defenses, called antioxidants, that control ROS levels and prevent damage. Enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) convert dangerous ROS, such as superoxide, into safer molecules like hydrogen peroxide. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase further break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamins C and E, as well as glutathione, also help fight ROS. These antioxidants work together to keep ROS levels in check, protecting cells from harm while allowing ROS to perform their beneficial roles in signaling.

ROS Impact on Cell Signaling

In small amounts, ROS act as messengers in the body, helping cells send signals and respond to changes. They influence important processes like cell growth, survival, and metabolism by modifying proteins. ROS can turn on enzymes and activate genes that help cells cope with stress. For instance, they regulate the protein Nrf2, which controls the production of other antioxidant proteins that protect the cell. When ROS levels are too high, though, they disrupt these signals, leading to damage and disease. But in the right amounts, ROS are essential for maintaining normal cell functions.

Impact of Reactive Species on the Brain

The brain is particularly vulnerable to ROS because of its high energy needs and fat content, which can be easily damaged by oxidation. Neurons, the brain’s nerve cells, are sensitive to ROS, and imbalances can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. However, not all brain cells are equally affected. Astrocytes, which support and protect neurons, have stronger antioxidant defenses. These cells can neutralize ROS and even produce antioxidants that help shield nearby neurons. While excess ROS in the brain causes harm, low levels play a role in memory and learning by helping neurons communicate.

Reactive Species in Aging and Disease

As the body ages, its ability to manage ROS declines, leading to an increase in oxidative damage. This damage affects cells throughout the body, including neurons and muscles, and contributes to diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and heart disease. In cancer, ROS can promote tumor growth by damaging DNA and supporting abnormal cell behavior. However, cancer cells also rely on antioxidants to keep ROS levels from becoming too high. Many cancer treatments aim to disrupt the balance of ROS in cancer cells, pushing them into a state of oxidative stress that leads to cell death.

The Role of Reactive Species in the Periphery

Outside the brain, ROS play important roles in other areas like the immune system and muscles. Immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, use ROS to kill bacteria and other harmful invaders. However, too much ROS production can harm healthy tissue during inflammation. In muscles, ROS help signal the repair and strengthening of tissues during exercise. While moderate amounts of ROS are beneficial for muscle adaptation, too much can lead to fatigue and weakness, especially during intense or prolonged physical activity.

Beyond ROS Reactive Behavior

ROS are often seen as harmful, but in the right amounts, they help the body adapt and grow stronger. This idea, known as hormesis, explains how small doses of stress, such as the ROS produced during exercise, can improve the body’s ability to handle future challenges. For example, regular exercise increases antioxidant defenses and improves muscle function. Short bursts of oxidative stress can also protect tissues from more severe damage by strengthening cellular defenses. This shows that ROS are essential for health when their levels are carefully balanced.

Conclusion

Reactive Oxygen Species are much more than harmful byproducts. They play critical roles in cell signaling, growth, and survival. While too much ROS can lead to aging and disease, moderate levels are vital for maintaining health. By better understanding ROS and how they work, we can develop strategies to support healthy aging and prevent diseases linked to oxidative stress.

The information in this article is high-level and rather generic. For a short, relatable synopsis on ROS and Redox Signaling molecules' impact to ensure optimal health, longevity, and vitality, I invite you to explore my book, "Life's Biohack: The Health Secrets of Redox Signaling Revealed", available on Amazon .

Want a FREE copy, just message me.

Ricardo Wilkins

Editor: Enter Redox - Health Longevity

ASEA Affiliate

References:

Tauffenberger A, Magistretti PJ. Reactive Oxygen Species: Beyond Their Reactive Behavior. Neurochem Res. 2021 Jan;46(1):77-87. doi: 10.1007/s11064-020-03208-7. Epub 2021 Jan 13. PMID: 33439432; PMCID: PMC7829243.