Search

Phagocytic cells know exactly where an infection is by following chemotactic signals. The phagocytosis of bacteria results in a 'respiratory burst' in which superoxide radicals are released. We have previously compared the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by antibiotics, during electron transfer reactions, to this event. Antibiotics in their normal bacterial environment, and ROS, are both increasingly implicated in purposeful signalling functions, rather than their more widely known roles in bacterial killing and molecular damage. Here, we extend our comparison between antibiotics and phagocytic cells to propose that antibiotics actively accumulate at a site of pathogen infection or tumour growth. A common link being virulent cellular growth. When this occurs, new proteins are secreted, aberrant iron acquisition takes place, and lipocalins are released. Each provide a mechanism by which antibiotics can bind, and be retained, at an active site of pathogen infection or tumour growth.

This review deals with mode of action of spices. Those studied, involving principal ones and parent substances, together are the following; capsaicin (pepper, tabasco, jalapeA±o), curcumin (tumeric, ginger, curry), anethole (anise, fennel), myresticin (nutmeg, parseley, dill), sesamin (sesame) and piperine (pepper). These are in the phenolic and phenolic ether class, whereas allicin alone is in the disulfide category. Evidence supports the unfying mechanism of electron transfer, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress for the seven. The disulfide is closely related via redox reaction without electron transfer. This review is an extension in relation to the unifying mode of action. Physiological and medical effects are treated

Although conjugation is well known as an important contributor to color, there is scant recognition concerning involvement of imine and iminium functions in the physiological effects of this class of dyes and pigments. The group includes the dyes methylene blue, rhodamine, malachite green, fuchsin, crystal violet, auramine and cyanins, in addition to the pigments consisting of pyocyanine, phthalocyanine and pheophytin. The physiological effects consist of both toxicity and beneficial aspects. The unifying theme of electron transfer–reactive oxygen species–oxidative stress is used as the rationale in both cases. Toxicity is frequently prevented or alleviated by antioxidants. The apparent dichotomy of methylene blue action as both oxidant and antioxidant is rationalized based on similar previous cases. This mechanistic approach may have practical benefit. This review is important in conveying, for the first time, a unifying mechanism for toxicity based on electron transfer–reactive oxygen species–oxidative stress arising from imine–iminium. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Vehicle pollution is an increasing problem in the industrial world. Aromatic nitro compounds comprise a significant portion of the threat. In this review, the class includes nitro derivatives of benzene, biphenyls, naphthalenes, benzanthrone and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, plus nitroheteroaromatic compounds. The numerous toxic manifestations are discussed. An appreciable number of drugs incorporate the nitroaromatic structure. The mechanistic aspects of both toxicity and therapy are addressed in the context of a unifying mechanism involving electron transfer, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress and antioxidants.

This review deals with mechanism and physiological activity of conjugated imine and iminium species, including those in the alkaloid category. An appreciable number can be found in the Merck Index. There is focus in mode of action on electron transfer (ET), reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress (OS) and reduction potential in the prior review. These aspects can be involved in both therapeutic action and toxicity. A unifying mechanistic approach involving ET-ROS-OS is applied to synthetic drugs and alkaloids in the imineiminium category in relation to both beneficial and adverse effects. Insight at the basic, molecular level can aid in practical pharmaceutical design.

The circadian clock is involved with many aspects of biological processes in animals and plants. Melatonin is a pineal hormone which is known to play a widespread role in the biochemistry of the circadian clock. The present review addresses the clock and melatonin in relation to aging and cancer, which are important aspects of medicine and biochemistry. The literature contains a large variety of associations of these areas with melatonin and circadian rhythm. Mechanistic aspects are addressed with emphasis on the unifying theme based on electron transfer-free radicalsoxidative stress.

Circadian rhythm has been the object of much attention. This review addresses the aspects of cell signaling, receptors, therapy and electrical effects in a multifaceted fashion. The pineal gland, which produces the important hormones melatonin and serotonin, exerts a prominent influence, in addition to the supraschiasmatic nucleus. Many aspects involve free radicals which have played a widespread role in biochemistry.

There has been much recent attention devoted to sugar toxicity. There are claims of danger equal to that from alcohol and tobacco. This review provides a summary of the toxic aspect, mainly involving glucose, fructose, and galactose. Chronic hyperglycemia is a characteristic of the diabetic condition, in which glucose toxicity is akin to that of ethanol. The metabolite major pathway for galactose metabolism is believed to be conversion to glucose. A focus is on the novel, α-dicarbonyl toxic mechanism. This functionality is potentially capable of electron transfer leading to toxic reactive oxygen species. Large numbers of toxic reactions are cited.

There is extensive literature dealing with toxicity and human health. A goodly portion puts focus on involvement of electron transfer, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress involving body organs. There is evidence for prevention or amelioration by antioxidants. This is one mechanism which is part of a multifaceted mode of action. This review comprises an update of earlier literature.

Much attention has been devoted to neurodegenerative diseases involving redox processes. This review comprises an update involving redox processes reported in the considerable literature in recent years. The mechanism involves reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, usually in the brain. There are many examples including Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's, prions, Down's syndrome, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, schizophrenia, and Tardive Dyskinesia. Evidence indicates a protective role for antioxidants, which may have clinical implications. A multifaceted approach to mode of action appears reasonable.

This report describes a novel mechanistic approach based on electrochemistry, receptors and signal transduction. Part A presents limited correlation between dipole moments and associated electrostatic fields (EFs), and taste. For Part B, binding of the tastant to the receptor results in interaction of the ligand EF with those of the protein receptor. Part C addresses passage of the message by the altered EF to the gustatory neurons, involving electrical effects and signal transduction. Insight is gained from external electrical stimulus. Part D represents the final step in which the electrical signal is converted to perceived taste in the brain.

This report presents in four main parts a novel approach based on electrochemistry, receptors and cell signaling. In Part A, there is limited correlation between dipole moments (DMs), associated electrostatic fields (EFs), and odor. For Part B, binding of the odorant to the receptor results in interaction of the ligand EF with those of the protein receptor, resulting in alteration. Part C addresses passage of the message by the altered EF to the olfactory neurons. Part D represents the final step in which the electrical signal is converted to perceived odor in the cerebral olfactory cortex.

Amphotericin B is the most important member of the macrolide polyene antibiotics. There has been recent focus on mode of action involving membrane ion channels. The present report provides extensive evidence based on literature reports and computational studies on electron affinity for a multifaceted approach to therapeutic action and drug toxicity. Aspects involved include electron affinity, electron transfer, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in relation to mechanisms of drug action and toxicity. Other features addressed are autoxidation, metabolism, therapeutic properties (mainly antifungal), pro-oxidant action, antioxidant properties and analogy to conjugated dicarbonyls.

There have been appreciable numbers of reviews on monophenols, catechols, and hydroquinones. However, the resorcinol class has received less attention. This review deals with resorcinols and flavonoids. Emphasis is on cell signaling in addition to antioxidant (AO) properties and pro-oxidant effects. The apparent dichotomy is rationalized. There is extensive literature dealing with various aspects of cell signaling in addition to receptor involvement. The physiological responses are provided along with integration into the unifying mechanistic theme of electron transfer (ET)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-oxidative stress (OS). The multifaceted approach involving redox processes and cell signaling is unique in providing novel insight.

Nitric oxide was first the object of extensive investigation in animals. It has been designated as the most widespread signaling molecule. An overview is presented with emphasis on cell signaling, mechanism, and physiological activity. Hence, a basis is provided for comparison of NO in plants with a similar approach. Mechanistically, cell signaling, electron transfer, radicals, and antioxidants are involved. A role is played by NO derivatives, such as peroxynitrite, nitroxyl, nitrite, nitrate, and S-nitroso derivatives. Comparison is made with ethylene. The multifaceted, interdisciplinary approach provides novel insight.

There is much literature on the toxic effects of anesthetics. This paper deals with both the volatiles and locals. Adverse effects appear to be multifaceted, with the focus on radicals, oxidative stress (OS), and electron transfer (ET). ET functionalities involved are quinone, iminoquinone, conjugated iminium, and nitrone. The non-ET routes involving radicals and OS apparently pertain to haloalkanes and ethers. Beneficial effects of antioxidants, evidently countering OS, are reported. Knowledge at the molecular level should aid in devising strategies to combat the adverse effects.

Aromatic primary-amines (APAs) display physiological activity in various areas, including therapeutics, carcinogens and toxicants. More familiar examples include aniline and derivatives, naphthylamines, dapsone, sulfa drugs and procaineamide. Diverse mechanisms have been proposed for these agents. However, there has not been recognition for a unifying theme entailing electron transfer (ET), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS). Prior reviews demonstrate that the ET-ROS-OS theme can be applied to therapeutics, carcinogens and toxicants. The preponderance of bioactive substances or their metabolites incorporate ET functionalities, which, we believe, play an important role in physiological responses. Among these, the focus in the present review is on APAs which generate ET hydroxylamine and nitroso metabolites which can generate ROS viaredox cycling. Evidence suggests involvement of the metabolites in the bioactivity. Further support is provided by AO protection of toxicity which supports involvement of ROS. Apparently, a multifaceted approach best pertains.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) played a role in the initiation of living systems, as well as subsequent evolution. The more recent literature on electrochemistry is documented, as well as magnetism. The large numbers of reports on interaction with living systems and the consequences are presented. An important aspect is involvement with cell signaling and resultant effects in which numerous signaling pathways participate. Much research has been devoted to the influence of man-made EMFs, e.g., from cell phones and electrical lines, on human health. The degree of seriousness is unresolved at present. The relationship of EMFs to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS) is discussed. There is evidence that indicates a relationship involving EMFs, ROS, and OS with toxic effects. Various articles deal with the beneficial aspects of antioxidants (AOs) in countering the harmful influence from ROS-OS associated with EMFs. EMFs are useful in medicine, as indicated by healing bone fractures. Beneficial effects are recorded from electrical treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease, depression, and cancer.

Although considerable numbers of reviews are available on toxicity of major body organs based on electron transfer (ET), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidative stress (OS), the integrated concept has been less applied to glands. This review represents an interdisciplinary approach to thyroid toxicity, involving ET, ROS, OS, cell signaling, receptors, toxicants, and beneficial effects of antioxidants (AOs). The introductory portion includes general function of the thyroid as well as the mechanism of thyroxine synthesis entailing participation of oxidative events, including the role of iodine. Various ROS, both endogenous and exogenous, are importantly involved in the diverse toxic manifestations. Discussion is centered on hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides. There is also treatment of receptor-ligand activity. Cell signaling participates in the various biochemical events taking place in the thyroid, both beneficial and adverse. In addition, the mechanism of cell signaling is discussed based on radicals, ET, relays, conduits, and electrochemistry. In addition to endogenous toxins, various exogenous ones are addressed, falling in diverse classes. Data indicate involvement of ET-ROS-OS in the toxic manifestations. Large numbers of reports reveal the beneficial effects of AOs in countering the toxicity, which is in accord with the mechanistic framework.

This comprehensive review of biometals involves the unifying theme of electron transfer, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress (OS) applied to toxicity, carcinogenicity, and therapeutic action. The beneficial effect of antioxidants supports the participation of OS. The metals involved are mainly in the heavier category. An important aspect is the favorable reduction potential exhibited by the bioactive materials that permits redox cycling in vivo with the generation of oxy radicals. The basic mechanistic theme is applicable to other electron transfer (ET) functionalities. Appreciable evidence indicates the participation of cell signaling in various ways. Also, a simplifying framework is provided based on radical species and electrochemistry (ET and molecular electrostatic potential). This review also discusses receptor participation with focus on binding to proteins. Resultant physiological effects are summarized. The overview provides an integrated approach to metal bioactivation.

Resveratrol (RVT) is a naturally occurring trihydroxy stilbene that displays a wide spectrum of physiological activity. Its ability to behave therapeutically as a component of red wine has attracted wide attention. The phenol acts as a protective agent involving various body constituents. Most attention has been given to beneficial effects in insults involving cancer, aging, cardiovascular system, inflammation and the central nervous system. One of the principal modes of action appears to be as antioxidant. Other mechanistic pathways entail cell signaling, apoptosis and gene expression. There is an intriguing dichotomy in relation to pro-oxidant property. Also discussed are metabolism, receptor binding, rationale for safety and suggestions for future work. This is the first comprehensive review of RVT based on a broad, unifying mechanism.

Zolpidem (trade name Ambien) has attracted much interest as a sleep-inducing agent and also in research. Attention has been centered mainly on receptor binding and electrochemistry in the central nervous system which are briefly addressed herein. A novel integrated approach to mode of action is presented. The pathways to be discussed involve basicity, reduction potential, electrostatics, cell signaling, GABA receptor binding, electron transfer (ET), pharmacodynamics, structure activity relationships (SAR) and side effects. The highly conjugated pyridinium salt formed by protonation of the amidine moiety is proposed to be the active form acting as an ET agent. Extrapolation of reduction potentials for related compounds supports the premise that zolpidem may act as an ET species in vivo. From recent literature reports, electrostatics is believed to play a significant role in drug action.The pyridinium cation displays molecular electrostatic potential which may well play a role energetically or as a bridging mechanism. An SAR analysis points to analogy with other physiologically active xenobiotics, namely benzodiazepines and paraquat in the conjugated iminium category. Inactivity of metabolites indicates that the parent is the active form of zolpidem. Absence of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress is in line with minor side effects. In contrast, generally, the prior literature contains essentially no discussion of these fundamental biochemical relationships. Pharmacodynamics may play an important role. Concerning behavior at the blood-brain barrier, useful insight can be gained from investigations of the related cationic anesthetics that are structurally related to acetyl choline. Evidently, the neutral form of the drug penetrates the neuronal membrane, with the salt form operating at the receptor. The pathways of zolpidem have several clinical implications since the agent affects sedation, electroencephalographic activity, oxidative metabolites and receptors in the central nervous system. The drug acts at the GABA(A) receptor benzodiazepine site, displaying high and intermediate affinities to various receptor regions. Structural features for tight binding were determined. The sedative and anticonvulsant activities are due to its action on the alpha-1-GABA(A) receptors. One of the common adverse responses to zolpidem is hallucinations. Proposed mechanisms comprise changes in the GABA(A) receptor, pharmacodynamic interactions involving serotonin and neuronal-weak photon emission processes entailing redox phenomena. Reports cite cases of abuse with cravings based on anxiolytic and stimulating actions. It is important to recognize that insight concerning processes at the fundamental, molecular level can translate into beneficial results involving both positive and adverse side effects. In order for this to occur, interdisciplinary interaction is necessary. Suggestions are made for future research aimed at testing the various hypotheses.

The literature reveals an extensive involvement of electrostatics in biological systems. In our prior articles, supporting evidence was cited from sulfates, volatile anesthetics, electron transport in photosynthesis and molecular electrostatic potential studies with DNA. A recent review addresses the involvement of electrochemistry in cell signaling. According to the theoretical framework, electrostatics is believed to be importantly involved in phosphate action in receptors and cell signaling. The main focus is on energetics associated with bioelectrostatics. Examples include action of enzymes, such as, xylose isomerase, SOD and cytochrome c oxidase. In the membrane area, reports deal with the phospholipase-membrane and the nuclear membrane. Other categories are chromosomes, oxidation by hydroxyl radicals, receptors, Hofmeister effect, and histamine. In addition, electrostatic effects have been examined in the plant kingdom.

Bioelectronome refers to the host of electron transfer (ET) reactions that occur in living systems. This review presents an integrated approach to receptor chemistry based on electron transfer, radicals, electrochemistry, cell signaling, and end result. First, receptor activity is addressed from the unifying standpoint of redox transformations in which various receptors are discussed. After a listing of receptor-binding modes, receptor chemistry is treated with focus on generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation by ROS, and subsequent cell signaling involving ROS. A general electrostatic mechanism is proposed for receptor-ligand action with supporting evidence. Cell-signaling processes appear to entail electron transfer, ROS, redox chains, and relays. The widespread involvement of phosphate from phosphorylation may be rationalized electrostatically by analogy with DNA phosphate. Extensive evidence supports important participation of ET functionalities in the mechanism of drugs and toxins. The integrated approach is applied to the main ET classes, namely, quinones, metal complexes, iminium species, and aromatic nitro compounds.

Prior proposals suggested the importance of electrochemistry in signal transduction and receptor-ligand activity. Electrostatic fields associated with ions and dipoles were assigned important roles. Little is known concerning the precise mode of action in cell signaling by widespread phosphorylation. According to the hypothetical framework, molecular electrostatic potential associated with phosphate anion is a key element as a link in the communication grid, possibly inducing favorable energetics in the electron transfer process. Similar involvement appears plausible for the sulfate anion. Supporting evidence for the electrostatic mechanism is presented. Representative literature on phosphorylation in the biological domain is reviewed with emphasis on cell signaling. The treatment includes phosphates from protein, lipids, and other molecules, plus the role of reactive oxygen species. Protein sulfation is also discussed.

Teratogenesis has been a topic of increasing interest and concern in recent years, generating controversy in association with danger to humans and other living things. A veritable host of chemicals is known to be involved, encompassing a wide variety of classes, both organic and inorganic. Contact with these chemicals is virtually unavoidable due to contamination of air, water, ground, food, beverages, and household items, as well as exposure to medicinals. The resulting adverse effects on reproduction are numerous. There is uncertainty regarding the mode of action of these chemicals, although various theories have been advanced, e.g., disruption of the central nervous system (CNS), DNA attack, enzyme inhibition, interference with hormonal action, and insult to membranes, proteins, and mitochondria. This review provides extensive evidence for involvement of oxidative stress (OS) and electron transfer (ET) as a unifying theme. Successful application of the mechanistic approach is made to all of the main classes of toxins, in addition to large numbers of miscellaneous types. We believe it is not coincidental that the vast majority of these substances incorporate ET functionalities (quinone, metal complex, ArNO2, or conjugated iminium) either per se or in metabolites, potentially giving rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS) by redox cycling. Some categories, e.g., peroxides and radiation, appear to generate ROS by non-ET routes. Other mechanisms are briefly addressed; a multifaceted approach to mode of action appears to be the most logical. Our framework should increase understanding and contribute to preventative measures, such as use of antioxidants.

The biology of the mitochondrial electron transport chain is summarized. Our approach to the mechanism of uncouplers, inhibitors, and toxins is based on electron transfer (ET) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Extensive supporting evidence, which is broadly applicable, is cited. ROS can be generated either endogenously or exogenously. Generally, the reactive entities arise via redox cycling by ET functionalities, such as, quinones (or precursors), metal compounds, imines (or iminiums), and aromatic nitro compounds (or reduced metabolites). In most cases, the ET functions are formed metabolically. The toxic substances belong to many categories, e.g., medicinals, industrial chemicals, abused drugs, and pesticides. Structure-activity relationships are presented from the ET-ROS perspective, and also quantitatively. Evidence for the theoretical framework is provided by the protective effect of antioxidants. Among other topics addressed are proton flux, membrane pores, and apoptosis. There is support for the thesis that mitochondrial insult may contribute to illnesses and aging.

This review demonstrates that oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and electron transfer can serve as unifying mechanistic themes for large numbers of cardiovascular toxins, both endogenous and exogenous. Lipid peroxidation is a prevalent insult. Common among the various conditions are atherosclerosis and arrhythmia. The preventive effects of antioxidants are documented.

There are many gaps in our knowledge of the molecular basis of alcohol toxicity and addiction. Metabolism affords mainly acetic acid via acetaldehyde. A minor metabolite, diacetyl (an alpha-dicarbonyl), arises from the aldehyde. We propose that this C(4) entity and/or its iminium derivatives from condensation with protein amino groups plays important roles in bioresponses. A review of the literature reveals substantial support for this premise. Reduction potentials for diacetyl and its iminium derivatives fall in the range favorable for catalytic electron transfer in vivo, which can generate oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species due to redox cycling. Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species are linked to toxicity associated with major organs by alcohol. The alpha-dicarbonyl moiety in related substances is believed to induce various toxic responses, such as Alzheimer's disease, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis. In addition to discussion of addiction and computational studies, potential applications for health improvement are suggested.

Cocaine is one of the principal drugs of abuse. Although impressive advances have been made, unanswered questions remain concerning mechanism of toxicity and addiction. Discussion of action mode usually centers on receptor binding and enzyme inhibition, with limited attention to events at the molecular level. This review provides extensive evidence in support of the hypothesis that oxidative metabolites play important roles comprising oxidative stress (OS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and electron transfer (ET). The metabolites include norcocaine and norcocaine derivatives: nitroxide radical, N-hydroxy, nitrosonium, plus cocaine iminium and formaldehyde. Observed formation of ROS is rationalized by redox cycling involving several possible ET agents. Three potential ones are present in the form of oxidative metabolites, namely, nitroxide, nitrosonium, and iminium. Most attention has been devoted to the nitroxide-hydroxylamine couple which has been designated by various investigators as the principal source of ROS. The proximate ester substituent is deemed important for intramolecular stabilization of reactive intermediates. Reduction potential of nitroxide is in accord with plausibility of ET in the biological milieu. Toxicity by cocaine, with evidence for participation of OS, is demonstrated for many body components, including liver, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, kidney, mitochondria, urine, and immune system. Other adverse effects associated with ROS comprise teratogenesis and apoptosis. Examples of ROS generated are lipid peroxides and hydroxyl radical. Often observed were depletion of antioxidant defenses, and protection by added antioxidants, such as, thiol, salicylate, and deferoxamine. Considerable evidence supports the contention that oxidative ET metabolites of cocaine are responsible for much of the observed OS. Quite significantly, the pro-oxidant, toxic effects, including generation of superoxide and lipid peroxyl radicals, plus depletion of glutathione, elicited by nitroxide or the hydroxylamine derivative, were greater than for the parent drug. The formaldehyde metabolite also appears to play a role. Mechanistic similarity to the action of neurotoxin 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile is pointed out. A number of literature strategies for treatment of addiction are addressed. However, no effective interventions are currently available. An hypothesis for addiction is offered based on ET and ROS at low concentrations. Radicals may aid in cell signaling entailing redox processes which influence ion transport, neuromodulation, and transcription. Ideas are suggested for future work dealing with health promotion. These include use of AOs, both dietary and supplemental, trapping of the norcocaine metabolite by non-toxic complexing agents, and use of nitrones for capturing harmful radical species.

Gossypol, a constituent of cottonseeds, displays various drug properties, including antifertility and anticancer. Toxicity is shown against the reproductive system, heart, liver, and membranes. The compound exhibits pro- and anti-oxidant behavior. Electron transfer (ET) functionalities, present in gossypol and its metabolites, comprise conjugated dicarbonyl, a quinone derivative, Shiff bases, and metal complexes. The parent possesses a reduction potential favorable for in vivo ET. Considerable evidence points to oxidative stress (OS), formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and DNA scission, characteristics of redox cycling by ET in biosystems. Mechanistic aspects are addressed with OS-ROS-ET as the guiding theme, in addition to other modes of action resulting in a multifaceted scenario.

A recent article deals with various nutrients in relation to bactericidal action. The present article focuses on a unifying mode of action for the nutrients, namely, resveratrol, epigallocatechin, polyene-ß-carotene, polyene lycopene, piperine, curcumin, genistein, luteolin, sulforaphane and pomegranate extract. The mechanism is based on electron transfer, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, which comprises an extension of earlier reports involving agents. Most of the compounds are precursors of electron transfer quinones, whereas others fit into the polyene category. The nutrients are better known as antioxidants. The dichotomy is addressed.

For more than half a century, numerous proposals have been advanced for the mode of action of carcinogens. This review presents a wide array of evidence that implicates oxidative stress (OS) in many aspects of oncology, including: formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the major classes of carcinogens (as well as minor ones), cancer stages, oncogene activation, aging, genetic and infectious illnesses, nutrition, and the role of antioxidants (AOs). Although diverse origins pertain, including both endogenous and exogenous agents, ROS are frequently generated by redox cycling via electron transfer (ET) groups, e.g., quinones (or phenolic precursors), metal complexes (or complexors), aromatic nitro compounds (or reduced products), and conjugated imines (or iminium species). We believe it is not coincidental that these functionalities are often found in carcinogens or their metabolites. The pervasive aspects of DNA binding by ultimate carcinogens, and mutations caused by ROS are treated. Often, ROS are implicated in more conventional rationales, such as oncogenes. A multi-faceted approach to mechanisms appears to be the most logical. The OS unifying theme represents an approach which is able to rationalize the diverse data associated with carcinogenesis. Because this theoretical framework aids in the understanding of cancer initiation, it can serve as a useful tool in combating cancer, particularly in relation to prevention. Significantly, the electron transfer--oxidative stress (ET-OS) scenario can also be applied to many drug categories, toxins, enzymes, and hormones.