Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed continuously in the human body as a normal by-product of respiration and energy production in the cell. To counteract the damaging effects of these highly-reactive compounds, the body has evolved a complex defence system comprised of detoxifying enzymes, associated co-factors such as glutathione, metal sequestering proteins and dietary-derived antioxidants including vitamin E, vitamin C and  polyphenols of which the flavonoid family are a well-known sub-group. 

Oxidative stress occurs when ROS production exceeds the rate at which the body's defences can adequately remove these reactive species from the system. This results in free radical damage to a variety of key biomolecules including proteins, DNA and cell membrane lipids.

Oxidative stress and free radical damage are associated with a number of diseases and medical conditions. Therefore, strategies aimed at reducing oxidative stress have significant clinical potential. Conversely, controlled and targeted induction of oxidative stress may also have application; for example in the destruction of tumour cells.

Cell ProTx combines extensive expertise in free radical biology, antioxidant and redox chemistry, cancer cell biology and cell culture methodologies to provide our clients with cutomised packages of chemical and cell-based assays to determine the antioxidant, pro-oxidant and antiproliferative activity of natural products, drugs and new chemical entities (NCE's)

Examples of known antioxidant, pro-oxidant and anticancer compounds