The accumulation of genetic alterations or ‘genomic instability’ is the cause of many pathophysiological conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and accelerated aging. This genomic instability may include subtle sequence changes, alterations in chromosome number (aneuploidy), chromosome translocations, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), and gene amplification.

A major source of genomic instability is the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (e.g. superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide). For example, high ROS levels may lead to a vicious cycle of genomic instability resulting in altered repair that in turn can lead to new genomic changes. However, the key molecules and mechanisms of this genomic instability have not been fully elucidated. In addition, enhancement of antioxidant defense by antioxidant therapy and/or dietary interventions have been suggested as remedies for dealing with ROS-induced genomic instability. A large number of natural products used in traditional medicine, such as polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, lignans, and stilbenes), carotenoids (xanthophylls and carotenes), and vitamins (vitamins E and C) are strong antioxidants that protect from oxidative stress-induced diseases.

The aim of this Special Issue is to publish studies on natural antioxidants from traditional medicinal plants, protected from ROS-induced genomic instability. Moreover, the Special Issue aims to reveal new molecular mechanisms accounting for the association between ROS generation and genomic instability, so as to identify new molecular targets for antioxidants of natural origin. Original research and review articles are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Natural compounds exhibiting protection from ROS-induced DNA damage and enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms
• Molecular pathways involved in genomic instability induction through ROS production
• Protection of polyphenols from oxidative stress-induced genomic instability
• The association between oxidative stress, genomic instability, and pathologies such as carcinogenesis and aging