Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activity of antioxidant defense system, which disrupts redox signaling and causes molecular damage. While there are numerous methods to measure oxidative stress, the complex and dynamic nature of ROS production and antioxidant reactions requires a multi-faceted approach. Direct methods such as electron spin resonance (ESR) and fluorescent probes measure ROS directly but are limited by the short lifespan of certain species. Indirect methods such as lipid peroxidation markers (e.g., malondialdehyde, MDA), protein oxidation (e.g., carbonyl content), and DNA damage (e.g., 8-oxo-dG) provide information on oxidative damage, but they do not capture the real-time dynamics of ROS. The antioxidant defense system, which includes enzymatic components such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), further complicates assessment, as it responds dynamically to oxidative challenges. Furthermore, the compartmentalized nature of ROS production in organelles and tissues coupled with the temporal variability of oxidative damage and repair underscores the need to integrate multiple assessment methods. This commentary highlights the limitations of using single assays and emphasizes the importance of combining complementary techniques to achieve a comprehensive assessment of oxidative stress. A multi-method approach ensures accurate identification of ROS dynamics, antioxidant responses, and the extent of oxidative damage, providing crucial insights into redox biology and its impact on health and disease.
Poljšak et al. (2025) studied this question.