Oxidative stress can be created by an imbalance between the production of oxygen-containing free radicals known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their elimination. Although ROS are necessary for normal metabolism, such as killing external harmful factors and providing cellular signalling in cells, ROS overproduction can cause cellular dysfunction. 1 Free radicals are compounds containing unpaired electrons in one of their atomic or molecular orbits. They are reactive and short-lived. Free radicals can be produced as a continuation of a normal metabolism or by many reactions necessary for energy production in the cell. 2 ROS are highly reactive molecules and are produced as a result of normal metabolism in cell organelles, especially mitochondria, or due to causes such as ischaemia/reperfusion, aging, radiation, high oxygen pressure, inflammation and exposure to chemical agents. 3 Thiols are organic compounds that contain a sulfhydryl group (-SH) attached to a carbon atom and play an important role in defense against oxidative stress. The main thiols found in plasma are low molecular weight thiols including albumin, cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutathione (GSH), homocysteine and γ-glutamyl cysteine. 4 Thiols are the most important reducing molecules in the body, oxidise ROS formed in the organism and reduce excess electrons, and disulfide bonds are formed. The disulfide bonds formed are reversible. It can turn into thiols depending on the antioxidant/oxidant balance of the organism. In this way, a dynamic thiol/disulfide homoeostasis (TDH) is preserved. 5