The Pathophysiologic Role of Oxidative Stress in Mitotic Cell Division

Abstract

Oxidative stress is characterized by elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. At physiological levels, ROS work as signaling molecules, helping cells go through the cell cycle normally and keeping their balance. They also balance several physiological processes. However, a shift in the delicate balance between antioxidants and ROS results in aberrant cell death and deleterious effects. Elevated ROS is implicated in many diseases and disorders like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infertility, and cardiovascular disorders. The imbalance disrupts normal cellular functions, including cell division. ROS are important regulators of the cell cycle, exerting both favorable and harmful effects depending on their levels in the system, time of action, and cellular context. The present review article highlights the role of ROS as a predisposing factor of cell cycle arrest and its effect on various stages of the cell cycle. It also considers the role ROS plays in disorders that are caused by oxidative stress, presents the interplay between ROS and cell division and explores the therapeutic intervention beneficial in managing these disorders.