Biochemical and Physiological Response During Oxidative Stress: A Cross-Species Perspective

Abstract

Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, is a fundamental challenge affecting both invertebrate and vertebrate organisms. Environmental triggers such as pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides, and seasonal fluctuations, alongside endogenous factors like heme metabolism and disease, contribute to elevated ROS production across animal taxa. These molecular species can damage proteins, membranes, and nucleic acids, compromising cellular integrity and function. The aim of this study is to comprehensively observe and compare the impact of oxidative stress on invertebrates (including protozoa, annelids, arthropods, and mollusks) and vertebrates (fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals), elucidating common and distinct stress pathways. Using integrative evidence from schematic representations and biological pathways, this work highlights conserved mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation, Fenton chemistry, and the upregulation of defense enzymes. Despite evolutionary divergence, the findings demonstrate that oxidative stress responses are universally pivotal in regulating cellular homeostasis, inflammation, and survival. The study underscores the importance of redox balance in animal adaptation and health, offering insight into stress physiology and potential targets for mitigating oxidative damage in diverse species.