Molecular Targets of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress, known to increase the risk of multiple metabolic and chronic disorders or cancer development, is defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the capacity of antioxidants to counteract the deleterious effects of oxidants. To regulate the oxidation/reduction (redox) balance, numerous antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidants exist. Free radicals activate transcription factors to promote antioxidant production and mitochondrial biogenesis. One of these transcription factors, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is a master regulator of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. Indeed, Nrf2 contributes to redox balance by initiating the transcription of hundreds of genes involved in antioxidant and cytoprotective responses. A better understanding of the molecular targets of oxidative stress and their interaction with the Nrf2 signaling pathway would strengthen the relevance of their preventive or therapeutic use in health and diseases. Most of the studies presented in this Special Issue were dedicated to multiple metabolic and chronic disorders or cancer development. They contribute to improving our understanding of the molecular targets of oxidative stress and their interaction with the Nrf2 signaling pathway in some oxidative-stress-related diseases.