Back to glossaryCell biology
Oxidative stress
DEOxidativer Stress
Oxidative stress is an imbalance in your cells. On one side are reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the other are your body's antioxidant defenses. When ROS outpace the defenses, they damage your biomolecules. That impairs your mitochondria. It speeds up telomere shortening. And it feeds chronic low-grade inflammation. Oxidative stress is implicated in many hallmarks of aging. It is linked to heart disease, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cancer. And it is shaped by your diet, exercise, sleep, and environmental exposures.
Last reviewed:
This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer
Sources
- Liguori I, Russo G, Curcio F, et al. (2018). Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases. Clinical Interventions in Agingdoi:10.2147/CIA.S158513
- Valko M, Leibfritz D, Moncol J, Cronin MT, Mazur M, Telser J. (2007). Free radicals and antioxidants in normal physiological functions and human disease. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biologydoi:10.1016/j.biocel.2006.07.001
- Butterfield DA, Halliwell B. (2019). Oxidative stress, dysfunctional glucose metabolism and Alzheimer disease. Nature Reviews Neurosciencedoi:10.1038/s41583-019-0132-6
Used in
Papers· 2
