Oxidative Stress: Mechanisms and Impacts on Human Health - Hardcoverby Everette Wheaton (Editor) An imbalance in the redox state of the cells, which may be caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or dysfunction of the antioxidant systems leads to the state of oxidative stress. In this state, the capability of the biological system to detoxify the reactive products is reduced. Increased ROS levels have negative effects on essential cellular structures, such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids.