What cellular imbalance defines oxidative stress linked to chronic pesticide exposure?
Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelms antioxidant defenses.
Chronic exposure to low levels of pesticides contributes to cellular damage partly through the mechanism known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance within the cell where the generation of harmful, unstable molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the capacity of the body's endogenous antioxidant defense systems to neutralize them. When these ROS are unchecked, they cause significant damage to vital cellular components, including critical structures like DNA, proteins, and lipids. This fundamental cellular damage is considered a key underlying mechanism that drives the development and progression of many chronic diseases, such as cancer and various neurodegenerative conditions associated with long-term toxicant exposure.
