Reactive oxygen species and cancer: A complex interaction

Cancer Lett. 2019 Jun 28:452:132-143. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.020. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Abstract

Elevated levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), increased antioxidant ability and the maintenance of redox homeostasis can cumulatively contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. The sources and the role of ROS in a heterogeneous tumor microenvironment can vary at different stages of tumor: initiation, development, and progression, thus making it a complex subject. In this review, we have summarized the sources of ROS generation in cancer cells, its role in the tumor microenvironment, the possible functions of ROS and its important scavenger systems in tumor progression with special emphasis on solid tumors.

Keywords: Cancer; Hypoxia Re-Oxygenation; ROS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Hypoxia / physiology
  • Humans
  • NADPH Oxidase 4 / metabolism*
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Microenvironment / physiology*

Substances

  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • NFE2L2 protein, human
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • NADPH Oxidase 4
  • NOX4 protein, human