prooxidanter

Prooxidants are substances that promote oxidation, a chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons from a substance (the reductant) to an electron acceptor (the oxidant). This process can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, which are highly reactive and can cause damage to biological molecules, including lipids, proteins, and DNA. Prooxidants can be endogenous, produced naturally by the body, or exogenous, introduced from the environment. Examples of exogenous prooxidants include certain metals, such as iron and copper, and environmental pollutants like particulate matter and ozone. Endogenous prooxidants include reactive intermediates produced during normal metabolic processes, such as those involved in the electron transport chain in mitochondria. The balance between prooxidants and antioxidants, which scavenge ROS, is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Imbalances can lead to oxidative stress, which has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the role of prooxidants in health and disease is an active area of research in the fields of biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicine.