Findings in redox biology: From H2O2 to oxidative stress
Helmut Sies
Abstract
My interest in biological chemistry proceeded from enzymology in vitro to the study of physiological chemistry in vivo. Investigating biological redox reactions, I identified hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) as a normal constituent of aerobic life in eukaryotic cells. This finding led to developments that recognized the essential role of H 2 O 2 in metabolic redox control. Further research included studies on GSH, toxicological aspects (the concept of "redox cycling"), biochemical pharmacology (ebselen), nutritional biochemistry and micronutrients (selenium, carotenoids, flavonoids), and the concept of "oxidative stress." Today, we recognize that oxidative stress is two-sided. It has its positive side in physiology and health in redox signaling, "oxidative eustress," whereas at higher intensity, there is damage to biomolecules with potentially deleterious outcome in pathophysiology and disease, "oxidative distress." Reflecting on these developments, it is gratifying to witness the enormous progress in redox biology brought about by the science community in recent years.