Navigating Redox Imbalance: The Role of Oxidative Stress in Embryonic Development and Long-Term Health Outcomes

Satya Srirama Karthik Divvela ¹ Marialucia Gallorini ² Morris Gellisch ¹ Gaurav Deepak Patel ¹ Luciano Saso ^3* Beate Emmi Margarete Brand-Saberi ^1*

• ¹ Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
• ² Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of ChieH-Pescara, Via dei VesHni 31, 66100, ChieH (Italy), Chieti, Italy
• ³ Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vi]orio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, Rome, Italy

Embryonic development is a complex process of concurrent events comprising cell proliferation, diHerentiation, morphogenesis, migration, and tissue remodeling. To cope with the demands arising from these developmental processes, cells increase their nutrient uptake, which subsequently increases their metabolic activity. Mitochondria play a key role in the maintenance of metabolism and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a natural byproduct. Regulation of ROS by antioxidants is critical and tightly regulated during embryonic development, as its dysregulation results in oxidative stress that damages essential cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, which are crucial for cellular maintenance and extension development. However, during development, exposure to certain exogenous factors or damage to cellular components can result in an imbalance between ROS production and its neutralization by antioxidants, leading to detrimental eHects on the developmental process. In this review article, we made an attempt to highlight the crucial role of redox homeostasis in normal development, and how disruptions in redox balance may result in developmental defects.