Cureus. 2026 Aug 27;18(8):e115330. doi: 10.7759/cureus.115330. eCollection 2026 Aug.
ABSTRACT
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in normal cellular functions, including cellular signaling and metabolism of toxins. Excessive ROS contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and hematologic conditions by altering genetic expression, signal transduction, lipid peroxidation, and vascular remodeling. This article investigates the role of ROS in diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and hematological conditions, focusing on molecular mechanisms and emerging treatments for preventative and acute management. We analyzed the role of ROS in mitochondrial dysfunction, redox signaling pathways, and their contribution to inflammation and tissue damage across cardiovascular and blood disorders. We also discuss novel therapies targeting oxidative stress, such as antioxidants, mitochondrial agents, nanomedicine, and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats. Particularly, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, ROS-driven mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox pathways are exploited to trigger apoptosis, presenting opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Our paper indicated that ROS exhibits a paradoxical nature - both beneficial and harmful - offering a unique opportunity for therapeutic exploration. Redox therapies, targeted antioxidants, and gene-editing technologies can improve patient outcomes in both cardiovascular and hematological diseases.
PMID:42802726 | PMC:PMC13616039 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.115330