Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidant Therapies in Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

Regenerative medicine holds the potential to revolutionize treatments for degenerative diseases and tissue injuries by employing stem cells, tissue engineering, and biomaterials. However, a critical barrier to the success of these therapies is oxidative stress (OS), which disrupts cellular homeostasis and function. This paper explores the dual role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regenerative medicine—acting as signaling molecules at low levels but becoming cytotoxic at high concentrations. Key therapeutic strategies to maintain the oxidant-antioxidant balance, such as traditional antioxidants, mitochondrial protection, and advanced nanotechnology-based delivery systems, are reviewed. Emerging approaches, including redox modulation and gene-editing techniques, hold promise in enhancing stem cell function and improving tissue regeneration outcomes.