What Role Does Oxidative Stress Play in Toxicology?
In toxicology, oxidative stress is a key mechanism through which many toxicants exert their harmful effects. Environmental pollutants like heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead, and organic compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), can enhance ROS production. This causes an imbalance between the production of ROS and the body's ability to detoxify them, leading to cellular damage and disease.
