Oxidants In Biology

Oxidants, like other aspects of life, involves tradeoffs. Oxidants, whether intentionally produced or by-products of normal metabolism can either mediate a variety of critical biological processes but when present inappropriately cause extensive damage to biological molecules (DNA, proteins, and lipids). These effects can lead to either damage that is a major contributor to aging and degenerative diseases (or to other diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune-system decline, brain dysfunction, and cataracts) or normal physiological function- tissue repair, defense against pathogens and cellular proliferation. On the other hand the body is equipped with a complex antioxidant/oxidant handling system which includes both enzymatic and nonenzymatic (i.e. small molecules such as flavonoids, ascorbate, tocopherol, and carotenoids) produced endogenously or derived from the diet. This book focuses on how the same molecules can have favorable or noxious effects depending on location, level and timing. Each chapter focuses on one particular molecule or oxidant/antioxidant system and provides a state of the art review of the current understanding regarding both positive and negative actions of the system under review.

Oxidants, like other aspects of life, involves tradeoffs. Oxidants, whether intentionally produced or by-products of normal metabolism can either mediate a variety of critical biological processes but when present inappropriately cause extensive damage to biological molecules (DNA, proteins, and lipids). These effects can lead to either damage that is a major contributor to aging and degenerative diseases (or to other diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune-system decline, brain dysfunction, and cataracts) or normal physiological function- tissue repair, defense against pathogens and cellular proliferation. On the other hand the body is equipped with a complex antioxidant/oxidant handling system which includes both enzymatic and nonenzymatic (i.e. small molecules such as flavonoids, ascorbate, tocopherol, and carotenoids) produced endogenously or derived from the diet. This book focuses on how the same molecules can have favorable or noxious effects depending on location, level and timing. Each chapter focuses on one particular molecule or oxidant/antioxidant system and provides a state of the art review of the current understanding regarding both positive and negative actions of the system under review.

In our first protocols book, Free Radical and Antioxidant Protocols (1), r- erence to in vivo, ex vivo, or in situ techniques were few compared to classical biochemical assays and only 6 of the 40 chapters were concerned with these applications. In our second book, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Antioxidant Protocols (2), which is being published concurrently with this third volume, Oxidants and Antioxidants: Ultrastructure and Molecular Biology Protocols, the number of such chapters has increased. The literature dealing with histoche- cal/cytochemical and immunohistochemical techniques and staining to identify cellular/subcellular sites of oxidative stress has expanded rapidly, as has the molecular biology methodology used to analyze free radical and antioxidant (AOX) reactions, as well as the monitoring of living tissue. A two-way search was performed for each technique listed in Table 1, coupled with “oxidative stress” using the PUBMED search engine from the National Library of Medicine at NIH. Most of the techniques involved in m- suring oxidative stress employ molecular biology or ultrastructural approaches. Of these techniques, histology, polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting are the most widely used. Several forms of therapy are now available for patients with increased oxidative stress. In addition to standard antioxidant therapy supplementation in vivo and in vitro, photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs excitation of a photon-emitting compound delivered systemically for free radical-mediated necrosis of affected tissues, and stem cells are also being used to induce signaling events or replace antioxidant enzymes.

Are free radicals and reactive oxygen species relevant to dermatopathology? Do antioxidants protect against free-radical-mediated cutaneous diseases and aging? To these and further current questions in the rapidly progressing field of basic and applied skin research, this up-to-date volume provides a scientific basis. It presents state-of-the-art reviews on the progress in detection of free radicals and antioxidants and their responses to environmental oxidative stressors. Furthermore, several expert contributions focus on the exciting developments in oxidative DNA damage and UVB- and UVA-induced signal transduction in skin. Finally, information is given on new antioxidant protection strategies against skin carcinogenesis and skin aging which may be fundamental for the pharmaceutical or skin-care products of tomorrow. Due to its unique and up-to-date collection of state-of-the-art contributions by many of the world's leading scientists in the field, this book will be essential reading for dermatologists, cosmetologists, pharmacologists and environmental toxicologists.

Providing a comprehensive review of reactions of oxidation for different classes of organic compounds and polymers, and biological processes mediated by free radicals, Oxidation and Antioxidants in Organic Chemistry and Biology puts the data and bibliographical information you need into one easy-to-use resource. You will find up-to-date information

This book describes the methods of analysis and determination of oxidants and oxidative stress in biological systems. Reviews and protocols on select methods of analysis of ROS, RNS, oxygen, redox status, and oxidative stress in biological systems are described in detail. It is an essential resource for both novices and experts in the field of oxidant and oxidative stress biology.

Biological Oxidants: Generation and Injurious Consequences is a collection of papers that describes research work done concerning molecules of the intracellular and plasma membrane generating system in leukocytes; the intracellular interactions in oxidant-induced cellular injury; malignant transformation; and intracellular mechanism of oxidant formation. One paper reviews biological oxidants and the molecular basis of chronic granulomatous disease, particularly on compositions found within the plasma membrane. One such composition concerns the discovery of a flavocytochrome b as the central electron-transporting molecule in this system. Another paper examines the early injury of cells caused by external oxidants and the consequences of DNA damage. Other papers review the metabolism of vascular endothelial-derived reactive species, the calcium-modulated cellular effects of oxidants, as well as, the mechanism of inflammatory oxidant damage in tissues. This book is suitable for biochemists, microbiologists, and academicians whose works involve research of cell membranes.

Food antioxidants are of primary importance for the preservation of food quality during processing and storage. However, the status of food depends on a balance of antioxidants and prooxidants occurring in food. Food Oxidants and Antioxidants: Chemical, Biological, and Functional Properties provides a single-volume reference on the effects of natur