**Preface to "Cellular Oxidative Stress"**

Oxidative stress is a phenomenon that results from any imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and tissues and the ability of a biological system to detoxify these products. ROS are highly reactive molecules that consist of radical and non-radical species formed by the partial reduction of oxygen. These can be generated endogenously as a by-product of the aerobic metabolism or arise from interactions of biological macromolecules with xenobiotics or environmental stressors. Oxidative stress on a cellular level can lead to irreversible damage to nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins and activate specific intracellular signaling pathways, all of which may contribute to disease. Erythrocytes, neurons, epithelial, and immune cells are particularly exposed to oxidative stress, owing to their particular physiological function or metabolic activity. Diseases and pathophysiological conditions that have been unequivocally linked to oxidative stress include cancer, diabetes, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and aging.

This book includes 26 scientific articles, of which 17 are original research papers and 9 are reviews, unraveling the molecular mechanisms and targets of cellular oxidative stress and the potential beneficial effect of antioxidants.

As the Guest Editors, we would like to acknowledge all authors for their valuable contributions and the reviewers for their constructive remarks. A special thank you goes to the publishing team of the journal *Antioxidants* for the professional assistance in the completion of this Special Issue.

> **Silvia Dossena, Angela Marino** *Editors*
