Oxidative stress and the paradoxical effects of antioxidants

Oxidative stress is referred to imbalance between the reactive oxygen species and antioxidants system to detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage. oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent. although oxidation reactions are crucial for life, they can also be damaging. insufficient levels of antioxidants or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, cause oxidative stress which may damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids and deoxyribonucleic acid. the oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, cancer, parkinson’s disease, alzheimer’s disease, sickle cell disease, lichen planus, vitiligo, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome and renal failure.