Oxidative stress is an imbalance in redox coupling
in the body. Lack of antioxidants to scavenge the
reactive oxygen species produces adverse effects
on health. The causes for an imbalance in redox
coupling are multi-factorial. Though, reactive
oxygen species are beneficial in the body, excessive
generation and lack of proper scavenging may
pose a threat. Both internal and external factors
may elevate the level. Environmental pollution is
a major contributor. Man-made chemicals such as
pesticides, heavy metals, and carbon combustion
products are blamed. Chronic exposures lead to
disease processes through oxidative stress. They
mediate pro-inflammatory cytokines and produce
free radicals. Pro-oxidant to antioxidant mismatch
leads to the adverse effects. Nrf2 activates a number
of genes that encode the antioxidants. Glutamate
cysteine ligase is activated in response to Nrf2
and it is a key enzyme for GSH production. Nrf2
functionality protects the cells from environmental
pollutants. Nrf2 mediates the antioxidant response
due to chemical insults, translocated in the cell
nucleus. Oxidative stress is known to induce a
number of diseases such as genetic abnormalities,
carcinogenesis, cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases, neuro-degeneration - Parkinson’s and
Alzheimer’s diseases. Pesticides are the major
pollutants. Studies confirm oxidative stress and
environmental pollution need to be addressed for
public welfare.