Redox reactions form the basis of numerous biochemical mechanisms that are imperative for physiological cellular functioning. Oxidants are involved in the formation of deoxyribonucleotides, production of prostaglandins, oxidation, and carboxylation and hydroxylation reactions. These are essential for normal cell function. Free radicals also participate in the host defense against bacterial infections, in the regulation of vascular tone and cell adhesion reactions, and act as sensors of oxygen concentration.

However, reactive oxygen species (ROS), which include superoxide (O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radicals (HO), as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which include a nitric oxide of free radicals (NO) and non-radical peroxynitrite (ONOO−), may still lead to oxidative damage to tissues and organs through mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative stress has been considered as a conjoint pathological mechanism, and it contributes to the initiation and/or the progression of a broad spectrum of diseases: diabetes, hepatic steatosis, hypertension, neurodegenerative pathologies or sepsis. Similarly, oxidative damage due to reactive oxygen species, secondary to a catecholaminergic storm, represents a cardiotoxicity factor, relevant in the forensic diagnosis of sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, oxidative injury induced by reactive oxygen species, free radicals, and neuronal nitric oxide has been invoked as the molecular mechanism underlying the damage induced by CO poisoning.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together original research and review articles discussing the role of oxidative stress within the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to organ damage or the development of diseases. Moreover, we welcome research discussing the association between organ damage/diseases and oxidative stress. In particular, this Special Issue focuses on forensic sciences, such as the role of oxidative stress in dating injuries or to support a forensic diagnosis. Submissions should provide evidence for the impact of mitochondrial functioning abnormalities, oxidative stress, senescence, and aging in pathobiology and natural history.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Novel tissue or circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress in diagnosis of diseases in a forensic setting
• The role of mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of diseases
• Epigenetic regulation and genetic variation of oxidative stress in organ dysfunction
• Forensic toxicology and pharmacology
• Forensic histopathological of oxidative damage