Free Radical Medicine And Biology

Although free radicals perform some useful immune functions, they can also damage healthy cells through a process called oxidation. Antioxidants reduce the effect of free radicals by binding together with these harmful molecules, decreasing their destructive power. This book highlights various issues of free radical biology from the perspective of antioxidant defense mechanisms. It also provides useful information on gene modulation, radiation-generated reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis in cancer, and environmental aspects associated with free radicals’ exposure on living systems.

Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine has become a classic text in the field of free radical and antioxidant research. Now in its fifth edition, the book has been comprehensively rewritten and updated whilst maintaining the clarity of its predecessors. Two new chapters discuss 'in vivo' and 'dietary' antioxidants, the first emphasising the role of peroxiredoxins and integrated defence mechanisms which allow useful roles for ROS, and the second containing new information on the role of fruits, vegetables, and vitamins in health and disease. This new edition also contains expanded coverage of the mechanisms of oxidative damage to lipids, DNA, and proteins (and the repair of such damage), and the roles played by reactive species in signal transduction, cell survival, death, human reproduction, defence mechanisms of animals and plants against pathogens, and other important biological events. The methodologies available to measure reactive species and oxidative damage (and their potential pitfalls) have been fully updated, as have the topics of phagocyte ROS production, NADPH oxidase enzymes, and toxicology. There is a detailed and critical evaluation of the role of free radicals and other reactive species in human diseases, especially cancer, cardiovascular, chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. New aspects of ageing are discussed in the context of the free radical theory of ageing. This book is recommended as a comprehensive introduction to the field for students, educators, clinicians, and researchers. It will also be an invaluable companion to all those interested in the role of free radicals in the life and biomedical sciences.

This book is based on the papers presented at the "Fourth International Congress on Oxygen Radicals (4-ICOR)," held June 27 - July 3, 1987, at the University of California, La Jolla. The chapters deal with the phenomena associated with highly reactive oxygen species (hydroxy, peroxy, alkoxy, aroxy, and superoxide radicals, as well as singlet oxygen) and their peroxidation products (hydrogen peroxide, hydroperoxides, peroxides, and epoxides) as they relate to the fields of chemistry, food technology, nutrition, biology, pharmacology, and medicine. The kinetics, energetics, and mechanistic aspects of the reactions of these species and the interrelationship of oxygen radicals (or any other free radicals) and peroxidized products have been emphasized. Special attention is focused on the mechanisms of the generation of free radicals and peroxy products in biosystems and on the adverse effects of these radicals and products in humans. The topics span the continuum from the simple chemistry of model systems to the complex considerations of clinical medicine. The book also explores the mechanisms of agents that protect against free radicals and peroxy products in vitro and in vivo. These agents include antioxidants used in materials, food antioxidants, physiological antioxidants, and antioxienzymes (SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and catalases). The use of these inhibitors to prevent damage to organs being prepared for transplantation, thereby maintaining the quality of transplanted organs and/or extending their "shelf-life," also is examined.

Free radical-mediated reactions have been well known in chemistry and physical chemistry for many years. Applying this knowledge to living organisms, biochemists have shown that reactive free radicals are formed at many intracellular sites during normal metabolism, and they have started to suggest possible roles in various pathological processes and conditions, for example in radiation damage, in the metabolism of xenobiotics, in carcinogenesis and in metabolic disorders. At present, a large and relevant mass of experimental evidence supports the view that reactive free radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases and syndromes. This literature has captured the attention and interest of people involved in the biomedical field. Exciting developments in radical research are probable in the near future, establishing a greater interaction between basic science research and medicine. While the task of defining the involvement of free radicals in human pathology is difficult, it is nonetheless extremely important that such interaction be fulfilled as soon as possible. These were the considerations motivating us during the organization of the VI Biennial Meeting of the International Society for Free Radical Research held in Torino, Italy, in June 1992, and also during the preparation of this book. Experts in the various aspects of free radical research were invited to participate in the Torino Meeting and to contribute chapters for this volume.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Protection: The Science of Free Radical Biology and Disease Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Protection begins with a historical perspective of pioneers in oxidative stress with an introductory section that explains the basic principles related to oxidative stress in biochemistry and molecular biology, demonstrating both pathways and biomarkers. This section also covers diagnostic imaging and differential diagnostics. The following section covers psychological, physiologic, pharmacologic and pathologic correlates. This section addresses inheritance, gender, nutrition, obesity, family history, behavior modification, natural herbal-botanical products, and supplementation in the treatment of disease. Clinical trials are also summarized for major medical disorders and efficacy of treatment, with particular focus on inflammation, immune response, recycling, disease progression, outcomes and interventions. Each of the chapters describes what biomarker(s) and physiological functions may be relevant to a concept of specific disease and potential alternative therapy. The chapters cover medical terminology, developmental change, effects of aging, senescence, lifespan, and wound healing, and also illustrates cross-over exposure to other fields. The final chapter covers how and when to interpret appropriate data used in entry level biostatistics and epidemiology. Authored and edited by leaders in the field, Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Protection will be an invaluable resource for students and researchers studying cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, as well professionals in various health science fields.

Written in an accessible style and consistent format, "Essentials of Free Radical Biology and Medicine" takes a unique approach to integrating the fundamental principles with high quality cutting-edge research discoveries, and the basic bioscience with clinical medicine so as to provide the reader a comprehensive picture of the field in a concise manner. The book (i) blends basic and clinical sciences needed to effectively demonstrate the importance of the field; (ii) includes full-color illustrations to facilitate the understanding of the essential concepts; (iii) cites references mostly from highly influential journals to ensure the top quality of the information; (iv) uses self-assessment questions and glossary to enhance the assimilation of the cutting-edge knowledge; and (v) serves as a valuable reference or textbook for students, faculty, and other professionals in the fields of biology, pharmaceutical science, biomedical science, and clinical medicine.

The current book entitled Free Radicals, Antioxidants, and Diseases gives an idea of detecting free radicals in vivo by newer techniques and provides insights into the roles played by various antioxidants in combating diseases caused by oxidative stress. The chapters included in this volume showcase new investigation in this field by the research groups around the world.