ALTERATIONS IN CELLULAR SIGNALING PATHWAYS UNDER OXIDATIVE STRESS CONDITIONS

Abstract

Oxidative stress is one of the most significant regulators of cellular homeostasis and has recently gained importance in regulating important signaling pathways that are responsive to cell death, inflammation and cell survival. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of oxidative stress on significant cellular signaling pathways, such as NF- -B, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and p53 pathways. Standard biochemical and molecular methods, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, antioxidant enzyme activity evaluation, and gene and protein expression, using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry were used to perform experimental analysis. The findings showed that there was a significant increase in the levels of ROS and a decrease in antioxidant defenses, which showed a severe redox state. This oxidative condition was linked to the stimulation of several signaling pathways, such as the increase of NF-kB and MAPK cascades, the mal-adjustment of PI3K/Akt survival signaling, and the aggravated activation of p53-mediated responses of apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that oxidative stress alters the balance of cellular signaling pathways, thus facilitating the process of apoptosis and playing a role in the development of diseases, which illustrates its therapeutic potential in oxidative stress associated diseases.