Free Radicals in Biology, Volume VI covers the significant biological implications of arachidonic acid chemistry in free radical biology. This 11-chapter volume explores the biochemistry of the prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and other products from arachidonic acid. The introductory chapters describe the chemistry of the eicosanoids; the structures of prostaglandin and leukotriene compounds; the role of lipid hydroperoxides in controlling prostaglandin biosynthesis; and the oxidation of xenobiotics during prostaglandin H biosynthesis. The discussion then shifts to the effects of the so-called fatty acid paradoxes on cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis, followed by chapters on arachidonic acid cascade process; the causes of lung injury conditions, such as hyperoxia; and the origin of low-level chemiluminescence in cells. This volume further deals with the oxy-radical involvement in parasitic diseases and the mechanisms for activation of aromatic amine carcinogens. The concluding chapters examine the controversial one- and two-electron mechanisms for activation of polynuclear hydrocarbon carcinogens and a hypothesis to rationalize the effects of radicals on the life span of mammals. These chapters propose that aging results from toxic by-products of metabolism, and longevity is determined by the ability of an organism to deal with these products. This book will be of great benefit to biochemists, biologists, and physicists.

The Porphyrins, Volume VI: Biochemistry, Part A deals with the biochemistry of porphyrins, their precursors, catabolic derivatives, and related compounds. The book covers the biosynthesis of porphyrins and chlorophylls; the formation and metabolism of bile pigments in animals and plants; as well as the synthesis, characterization, and chemistry of the bile pigments and their derivatives. An account of the historical and clinical aspects of porphyrins and bile pigments is also given. This volume is organized into 12 chapters and begins with an overview of protoporphyrins and their metabolic intermediates, paying particular attention to their synthesis and biosynthesis. The discussion then shifts to the biosynthesis of porphyrins and chlorophylls; the in vivo formation and metabolism of bile pigments such as biliverdin and bilirubin; and yellow, green, and blue bile pigments. The reader is then introduced to bile pigments of plants including phytochrome and phycobiliproteins; the general structures and nomenclature of bile pigment derivatives; and the Stokvis reaction. The book also considers the clinical chemistry of porphyrins, and then concludes with a chapter on milestones in the history of bile pigments. This book will be of value to inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemists interested in the biochemistry of porphyrins.

This reference explores the science of signaling mechanisms associated with diseases like endocrine, metabolic and immune disorders which are linked to oxidative stress mediated disease mechanisms. The common diseases in these categories include diabetes mellitus and arthritis and conditions defined by inflammation and autoimmunity. These diseases involve metabolic pathways mediated by reactive oxygen species or free radicals. The pathways are targets in the mechanism of drugs which aim to treat related disorders. The book covers key topics in free radical biology that help to understand the nature of the pathways and the pharmacology of the drugs that are designed to target them.5 chapters elucidate the free radical biology of the diseases.1. Role of free radical biology in diabetes mellitus2. Role of GSK3 in regulation of insulin release and glucose metabolism3. Regulatory role of NRF2 in rheumatoid arthritis4. Role of free radical biology in Alzheimer’s disease5. Regulatory role of immune cells mediated antibody on rheumatoid arthritis Key features:- Elucidates the key biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms that are mediated by free radicals in common endocrine, metabolic and immune diseases- Explains the activation of immunological factors (like RF and ACPA) that trigger inflammation and arthritis- Covers the role of free radicals in Alzheimer’s disease and new interventions that target mitochondrial mechanisms- Systematically explains the molecular biology of free radicals with the help of schematic diagrams - Includes references for further reading The accessible and structured text in this reference make it a suitable resource for all biomedical scientists, faculty and postgraduate students in academia and industry.

Mitochondria are crucial organelles for any cell type. Mitochondria take responsibility for not only energy production but also regulation of cell death, also called apoptosis; calcium storage; and heat production. Therefore, mitochondrial disease is implicated in the mode of action of many harmful factors for cells such as drugs and environmental contaminants, dysfunction of the oxygen transport system, malnutrition, intense exercise, and genetic variations. This book presents up-to-date knowledge about mitochondrial disease and its complex relation to some diseases such as cardiac failure, cancer, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This book will, therefore, be essential for readers who are interested in life sciences, especially in medicine.

Today's society is increasingly aware of the importance of food and health. For this reason, consumers increasingly demand more products that help prevent disease. In this sense, science and technology are helping to find new bioactive compounds that, when properly administered, can provide beneficial health effects. Among these compounds are nutraceuticals, concentrated natural bioactive substances available in pills, capsules, and powders among other forms. This book comprehensively reviews and compiles information on molecules that can help prevent and treat prevalent diseases.