Reactive species are highly reactive molecules that can cause significant damage to cells and tissues, but also play essential roles in cell signaling and homeostasis. They include free radicals and non-radicals, and their balance is crucial for maintaining health and preventing diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.

Reactive Species

Reactive species

highly reactive molecules

significant damage to cells

Significant damage to tissues

Cell signaling is a complex communication process that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions, ensuring that cells respond appropriately to their environment. It involves the transmission of signals via signaling molecules, receptors, and intracellular pathways, ultimately leading to a physiological response.

cell signaling

Homeostasis is the physiological process by which biological systems maintain stability and equilibrium in response to changing external conditions. It is essential for the survival of organisms, enabling them to regulate internal environments such as temperature, pH, and ion concentrations to ensure optimal functioning.

homeostasis

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, which can cause oxidative stress by damaging cells, proteins, and DNA. They play a dual role in the body, contributing to both normal physiological processes and the development of various diseases, including cancer and aging-related disorders.

free radicals

non-radicals

Balance of reactive species

maintaining health

preventing diseases

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. It arises from genetic mutations and environmental factors, making early detection and treatment crucial for improving survival rates.

cancer

Neurodegeneration refers to the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including their death, which is a central feature of a variety of debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to slow or halt these diseases' progression and improve patients' quality of life.

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