A comprehensive review of biochemical and molecular evidences from animal and human studies on the role of oxidative stress in aging : an epiphenomenon or the cause

Abstract

Aging is an undeniable fact shadowing animal life but while it comes to human, aging affects all aspects of their physical and emotional abilities. Aging occurs by multi-stimuli which is affected by both environmental and internal conditions. During the past decade, remarkable recognition of cellular senescence and its related pathways has happened. The increased production and/or ineffective scavenging of oxidants in particular, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) play a critical role in cellular senescence. High reactivity of ROS determines chemical changes in virtually all cellular components, leading to senescence mostly via DNA damage. Present paper discusses the oxidative stress as the main cause of aging and the benefit of antioxidants. So far, more effective explorations are needed to decrease the deleterious effects of oxidative-stress-induced aging. This approach could be achieved through manipulations of antioxidant enzyme systems, development of drug therapies, manipulation of aging related genes and genetic manipulation of plant-based antioxidant resources.