Fluorescent Imaging of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species Associated with Pathophysiological Processes

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) play their essential roles in regulating biological events. Their aberrant behaviors are mostly associated with pathophysiological processes. A better understanding of these processes can assuredly help us in examining the pathogenesis and progression of diseases and is beneficial for the ultimate clinical therapy. Numerous fluorescent probes have been developed in the last 5 years for detecting ROS and RNS involved in diverse pathophysiological processes, and these are summarized in this review. Optical properties of the fluorescent probes will be described, and their applications in ROS and RNS detection in pathophysiological models, including in chemical- and bacteria-triggered inflammation, drug-induced organ toxicity, specific diseases, injury of different tissues and organs, and other pathophysiological processes, will be elaborated. Finally, we judiciously highlight the achievement, limitations, and future perspectives in this field.