Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in apoptosis induction

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondria play an important role in ap optosis induction under both physiologic and pathologic conditions. Interes tingly, mitochondria are both source and target of ROS. Cytochrome c releas e from mitochondria, that triggers caspase activation, appears to be largel y mediated by direct or indirect ROS action. On the other hand, ROS have al so anti-apoptotic effects. This review focuses on the role of ROS in the re gulation of apoptosis, especially in inflammatory cells.