‘Reactive oxygen species’ (ROS) is a generic term that defines a wide variety of oxidant molecules with vastly different properties and biological functions that range from signalling to causing cell damage. Consequently, the description of oxidants needs to be chemically precise to translate research on their biological effects into therapeutic benefit in redox medicine. This Expert Recommendation article pinpoints key issues associated with identifying the physiological roles of oxidants, focusing on H₂O₂ and O₂^.–. The generic term ROS should not be used to describe specific molecular agents. We also advocate for greater precision in measurement of H₂O₂, O₂^.– and other oxidants, along with more specific identification of their signalling targets. Future work should also consider inter-organellar communication and the interactions of redox-sensitive signalling targets within organs and whole organisms, including the contribution of environmental exposures. To achieve these goals, development of tools that enable site-specific and real-time detection and quantification of individual oxidants in cells and model organisms are needed. We also stress that physiological O₂ levels should be maintained in cell culture to better mimic in vivo redox reactions associated with specific cell types. Use of precise definitions and analytical tools will help harmonize research among the many scientific disciplines working on the common goal of understanding redox biology.

“活性氧”(ROS) 是一个通用术语，它定义了各种各样的氧化剂分子，它们具有从发出信号到引起细胞损伤的各种性质和生物学功能截然不同的范围。因此，氧化剂的描述需要在化学上精确，以便将对其生物学效应的研究转化为氧化还原医学中的治疗益处。这篇专家建议文章指出了与确定氧化剂的生理作用相关的关键问题，重点是 H ₂ O ₂和 O ₂ ^.–。不应使用通用术语 ROS 来描述特定的分子试剂。我们还提倡更精确地测量 H ₂ O ₂、 O ₂ ^。–和其他氧化剂，以及更具体地识别它们的信号靶标。未来的工作还应考虑细胞器间通讯以及器官和整个生物体内氧化还原敏感信号靶标的相互作用，包括环境暴露的贡献。为了实现这些目标，需要开发能够对细胞和模型生物体中的单个氧化剂进行特定位置和实时检测和量化的工具。我们还强调，在细胞培养中应保持生理 O ₂水平，以更好地模拟与特定细胞类型相关的体内氧化还原反应。使用精确的定义和分析工具将有助于协调致力于了解氧化还原生物学这一共同目标的许多科学学科之间的研究。