Oxidative stress is a physiological imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralize or detoxify these harmful compounds through antioxidants. ROS, such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, are natural byproducts of cellular metabolism and play important roles in cell signaling and immune response. However, excessive ROS production or inadequate antioxidant defenses can lead to oxidative stress, causing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA within cells.

Techniques for assessing antioxidant status, including levels of enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants are employed in addition to other biomarker measurements. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels are intricately linked to oxidative stress in the body. During conditions of oxidative stress, increased production of ROS can deplete CoQ10 levels, impairing its antioxidant capacity and potentially exacerbating oxidative damage to cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. Conversely, adequate levels of CoQ10 help maintain the balance between ROS production and antioxidant defenses, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and its associated detrimental effects on cellular health.