Redox Imbalance in Inflammation: The Interplay of Oxidative and Reductive Stress

Redox imbalance plays a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammation, influencing both the onset and progression of various inflammatory conditions. While the pro-inflammatory role of oxidative stress (OS) is well established, the impact of reductive stress (RS)-a condition marked by excessive reducing equivalents such as NADH, NADPH, and reduced glutathione (GSH)-remains underappreciated. This review offers a novel integrative perspective by analyzing how OS and RS act not merely in opposition, but as interconnected modulators of immune function. We explore the mechanisms through which OS activates inflammatory pathways, and how RS, when sustained, can paradoxically impair immune defense, alter…