Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were originally thought to only be released by phagocytic cells during their role in host defence. It is now clear that ROS have a cell signalling role in many biological systems, both in animals and in plants. ROS induce programmed cell death or necrosis, induce or suppress the expression of many genes, and activate cell signalling cascades, such as those involving mitogen-activated protein kinases.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11356180

ROS-positive-effects

 

ROS-antioxidants

Oxidative stress: imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants.
Under normal conditions, cells are able to balance the production of oxidants and antioxidants. Oxidative stress occurs when cells are subjected to excess levels of ROS or as a result of antioxidant depletion. ROS: chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, highly reactive. Under normal conditions, ROS are natural byproducts. It also can be generated by exogenous sources.

Major sources of ROS:
mitochondria,
peroxisome,
plasma membrane/cytoplasm.

Endogenous sources
Mitochondria
Peroxisomes
Cytochrome P450

Exogenous sources
UV light
Inflammatory cytokines
Pathogens

Antioxidants
Vitamin E
Selenium
Lycopene
Green tea

Vitamin-C is a potent antioxidant and a regulator of redox-signal transduction. Under stress, Vitamin-C acts as a primary antioxidant in plasma and cells.

Vitamin-C quenches ROS and serves as a cofactor of enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen, carnitine and neurotransmitters

http://www.slideshare.net/AndreaJosFuentesBisbal/oxidative-stress-2014

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