Oxidative stress develops as a result of deviation from the cellular redox steady-state to an imbalance in redox reactions, which in turn leads to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or the disruption of the antioxidant defense system. An excessive presence of ROS leads to DNA, protein, and lipid damage, thus can lead to cell death. Oxidative stress triggers inflammatory responses and is associated with the onset of several pathologies occurring in elderly people, including cancer, neuronal and cartilage degeneration, metabolic diseases associated with obesity, and diabetes. Moreover, exposure to oxidative stress during foetal life has been associated with a high risk of developing chronic diseases later in adulthood.

The free radical theory of aging (FRTA) states that cellular damages occurring during aging processes are due to the accumulation of free radicals. During aging, cells stop dividing and undergo a particular senescent process, characterised by increased metabolic activity with the production of proinflammatory molecules and products of cellular degradation, named senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. These products are responsible for influencing and modifying surrounding cells, and milieu. The therapeutic use of natural or synthetic agents able to counteract oxidative stress and/or to modulate and ultimately eliminate senescent cells may represent a key strategy for the prevention and treatment of age-related, and degenerative diseases.

The aim of this Special Issue is to solicit original research articles and review articles that illustrate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of age-related and degenerative diseases with a focus on the oxidative and senescent phenotypes of cells. Submissions describing natural or synthetic compounds as novel approaches to prevent and treat degenerative pathologies are highly encouraged.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Role of ROS in tissue degeneration and age-associated diseases
• In vitro and in vivo studies on the effect of antioxidants in the control of redox system
• Oxidative stress in obesity-dependent inflammation and diabetes development
• Oxidative stress in neuronal and cartilage degeneration
• Nutraceuticals and oxidative stress
• Nutraceuticals and epigenetics in the management of oxidative stress, and cellular senescence
• Mechanisms of action of natural or synthetic compounds in the control of SASP production
• The role of senescent cells in inducing tissue aging
• Mechanisms of action of senolytic and senomorphic compounds in degenerative, and age-related diseases