Significance of Oxidative Stress and the Role of Anti Oxidants in Cancer

During normal cellular activities, various processes inside of cells produce reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide, superoxideio and hydroxide radical. These radicals when present in high concentration, it damage cellular proteins and lipids or form DNA adducts that promote oxidative stress and carcinogenic activity. Cellular antioxidants may be enzymatic (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) or nonenzymatic (glutathione, thiols some vitamins and metals or phytochemicals such as isoflavones, polyphenols and flavanoids). In normal physiological processes, antioxidants effect signal transduction and regulation of proliferation and the immune response. Reactive oxygen species have been linked to cancer and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, tocopherol, coenzyme Q10, carotenoids and flavonoids have been considered promising therapy for prevention and treatment of this disease, especially given the tantalizing links observed between diets high in fruits and vegetables (and presumably antioxidants) and decreased risks for cancer.