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Deutsch (EUR)03 · Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
KINGRAY ACADEMY · CELLS AND METABOLISM
03 · Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Inflammation helps the body respond to damage. Reactive molecules also play a part in communication between cells. Problems arise when inflammatory activity persists inappropriately or redox regulation is disrupted. These processes are related, but they are not identical.
A response to infection or damage that helps defend the body and repair tissue.
Persistent inflammatory activity. Its significance depends on the cause and the tissue affected.
A disruption of redox balance that can affect signalling and damage cellular components.
Why is inflammation not always harmful?
Inflammation is part of immune defence. Infection or damage activates immune cells and signalling molecules. Once the trigger has been addressed, the response should subside and tissue repair should follow.
In chronic inflammation, this activity persists. It may be associated with a persistent infection, disrupted immune regulation or metabolic factors, for example. Chronic inflammation is not a single disease or a universal cause of all symptoms. [1]
What do ROS and oxidative stress mean?
Reactive oxygen species, abbreviated as ROS, arise during cellular processes and also have physiological functions. They help transmit signals and contribute to defence against microorganisms. Not all ROS are free radicals; hydrogen peroxide, for example, is not a radical. [2]
Oxidative stress describes a shift in balance towards oxidants that disrupts redox signalling and regulation or leads to molecular damage. It can affect membrane lipids, proteins and DNA. It does not mean “too much oxygen in the blood” or a feeling of psychological tension. [3]
How are inflammation and oxidative processes connected?
Activated immune cells can produce ROS. In turn, reactive molecules influence signalling pathways involved in the inflammatory response. The outcome depends on the amount, location and duration of these processes. [2]
Mitochondria are both a source of ROS and a site of redox regulation. The presence of ROS alone therefore does not mean that mitochondria are malfunctioning. The aim is not to eliminate all reactive molecules.
Cells have their own protective systems
The body uses a network of antioxidant enzymes and other molecules. These include superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidases. How they work together matters, rather than simply the amount of a single substance. [3]
Glutathione is a naturally occurring tripeptide made up of glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It contributes to redox regulation and is part of the system that removes peroxides. Its role within cells does not, by itself, demonstrate a therapeutic benefit from taking a supplement.
What is being studied, and what can we conclude?
Researchers study chronic inflammatory processes in ageing and various diseases. However, an association between inflammatory markers and disease does not, on its own, identify the cause of an individual’s symptoms. [1]
With antioxidants, “more is better” does not apply. An effect in a test tube or a change in a laboratory marker does not automatically demonstrate an improvement in health. High doses of some antioxidants can also have adverse effects. [4]
What matters in everyday life?
Factors that can be influenced include physical activity, diet, smoking and sleep. A varied diet, regular appropriate exercise, sufficient sleep and not smoking provide a practical foundation. This is not a guaranteed way to “switch off inflammation”; when disease is present, addressing its cause is essential. [1]
Dietary supplements do not replace a varied diet or medical care. A substance’s antioxidant activity is not proof that a supplement prevents or treats disease. [4]
Frequently asked questions
Is all inflammation harmful?
No. Acute inflammation contributes to defence and tissue repair. When activity persists over time, its cause and medical context matter.
Is psychological stress the same as oxidative stress?
No. Psychological stress describes a response to demands or strain. Oxidative stress is a biochemical term describing disrupted redox balance. These processes can be related, but they should not be confused.
Are all ROS harmful?
No. ROS also have normal signalling and defence functions. Their effects depend on their amount, where they are produced and how long they persist.
Do more antioxidants mean better protection?
Not automatically. Laboratory findings cannot be directly translated into the effects of a supplement in humans. High doses of some antioxidants can be harmful.
Scientific sources
Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span.
An expert review of the causes and associations of systemic chronic inflammation.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) as pleiotropic physiological signalling agents.
A review of the physiological functions of ROS and redox signalling.
Oxidative stress: a concept in redox biology and medicine.
An explanation of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence systems.
Antioxidant Supplements: What You Need To Know.
An overview of the evidence and risks associated with antioxidant supplements. Accessed: 24 October 2026.
