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Definition: How can antioxidant drugs protect against oxidative stress?

Antioxidant drugs work by neutralizing ROS or preventing their formation, thus reducing the damage they can cause to cells and tissues. They can also help restore the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the body.

There are several mechanisms through which antioxidant drugs can protect against oxidative stress:

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1. Direct scavenging of ROS: Antioxidant drugs can directly react with and neutralize ROS, preventing them from causing damage to cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids.

2. Indirect antioxidant effects: Some antioxidant drugs can stimulate the body’s own antioxidant defense systems, such as the production of endogenous antioxidants like glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. These endogenous antioxidants can then help neutralize ROS and reduce oxidative stress.

3. Inhibition of ROS-generating enzymes: Certain antioxidant drugs can inhibit enzymes that produce ROS, such as NADPH oxidases or xanthine oxidase. By blocking the production of ROS, these drugs can reduce oxidative stress.

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4. Chelation of metal ions: Some antioxidant drugs can bind to metal ions, such as iron or copper, which can catalyze the formation of ROS. By chelating these metal ions, antioxidant drugs can prevent the generation of ROS and reduce oxidative stress.

Overall, antioxidant drugs can help protect against oxidative stress by reducing the levels of ROS, enhancing the body’s own antioxidant defense systems, and preventing the formation of ROS. This can have beneficial effects in various diseases and conditions associated with oxidative stress, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging processes.

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