Oxidative stress is generated when the balance between ROS and antioxidant levels as well as antioxidant enzymes existing endogenously in the body is disrupted, resulting in potential cell damage. In addition, reactive carbonyl species (RCS) produced during lipid peroxidation and Maillard reaction, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) generated in physiological systems with high glucose concentration have been shown to have a strong relationship with the formation of ROS. Multiple lines of evidence from both laboratory and clinical studies have linked ROS to pathophysiology associated with various diseases such as inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and all stages of carcinogenesis.

Antioxidant defense has been considered as an efficient way to prevent the development of certain ROS-mediated diseases. Many natural products have been reported to inhibit RCS/AGEs formation and modulate signaling pathways, gene and microRNA expression, and epigenetic mechanisms in the prevention or management of ROS-mediated diseases. Further information is required to decipher the underlying mechanisms of how natural products and drug candidates, independently or in combination with each other, influence these processes.

Contributions to this Special Issue may cover all research aspects related to the field of oxidative stress and mechanisms of action of natural products and synthetic drugs in ROS-induced chronic diseases, including but not limited to inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Original research and review articles are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Inhibitory mechanism of natural products on RCS/AGEs formation in vitro and in vivo
• Effects of natural antioxidant compounds on lipid peroxidation in vitro and in vivo
• Natural antioxidants to modulate oxidative stress and/or reverse diseases
• Relationship between autophagy modulation and ROS-induced chronic diseases
• Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of natural products
• The use of mitochondria-targeted natural antioxidants as therapeutic strategies for disease intervention
• The role of oxidative stress and inflammation and their interplay with autophagy, as well as their modulation by natural products and synthetic drugs