Volume Two advances the exploration of the fundamental principles of oxidative stress and toxicity on male (and female) reproduction. It includes the advances in research on male reproductive health, the impact of environmental factors, the protective measures using bioactive compounds and traditional medicines, and how to limit toxic exposure. It includes coverage of: Oxidative stress and male infertility Environmental stressors and sexual health Heavy metals, pesticides, fine particle toxicity and male reproduction Protective measures against oxidative stress in gametes/embryos by using bioactive compounds/phytomedicines in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Role of reactive oxygen species on female reproduction Radiation and mutagenic factors affecting the male reproductive system Both volumes provide a comprehensive look at the most basic concepts and advanced research being conducted by world famous scientists and researchers in male infertility and reproduction.

This book discusses the role of oxidative stress in human reproduction with a focus on men’s health. The physiological roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in male fertility are the focus in this book. This topic is important because oxidative stress is a result of the imbalance between ROS and antioxidants in the body which may lead to sperm damage (DNA or count), deformity, and eventually, male infertility. Therefore, for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms related to male genotoxicity and its regulation in infertility, this book provides an up-to-date view on the impact of oxidative stress factors in male reproduction . The main aim of this book is to collect a series of research articles and reviews from a diverse group of scientists to share their research work on the role of ROS or oxidative stress in physiological and pathological states in relation to (in)fertility in the male. This book presents various state-of-the-art chapters of the recent progress in the field of cellular toxicology and clinical manifestations of various issues related to men’s health and fertility. Topics include cell signaling, DNA damage and infertility, the pathophysiology of disease instigation and distribution, immune toxicity and prevention.

The focus of this collection of illustrated reviews is to discuss the systems biology of free radicals and anti-oxidants. Free radical induced cellular damage in a variety of tissues and organs is reviewed, with detailed discussion of molecular and cellular mechanisms. The collection is aimed at those new to the field, as well as clinicians and scientists with long standing interests in free radical biology. A feature of this collection is that the material also brings insights into various diseases where free radicals are thought to play a role. There is extensive discussion of the success and limitations of the use of antioxidants in several clinical settings.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

Written by leading international specialists, this book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview of endocrine-based female reproductive disorders. Particularly focusing on the Hypothalamus – Pituitary – Ovary (HPO) axis as the main driver of reproduction in women, it discusses amenorrhea; chronic anovulation and polycystic ovary syndrome as the most common dysfunctions of the HPO axis; endocrine diseases as possible impacts on the HPO axis; uterine disorders related to estrogen/progesterone; and the impact of endometriosis and uterine fibroids on reproduction. It also addresses infertility and menopause as hormone-related disorders in women and endocrine changes during pregnancy and lactation, and in breast disorders. The book is intended as a major reference for endocrinologists, gynecologists, and obstetricians, as well as basic and clinical scientists. It is published as part of the SpringerReference program, which provides access to live editions constantly updated through a dynamic peer-review publishing process.

Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular disease, is one of the major killers in the world. By 2020 WHO statistics indicate that it will be the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in both the industrialised world and the underdeveloped world. The disease develops slowly over many years in the innermost layer of large and medium-sized arteries (Fig. 1) (Scott, 1995; Ross, 1999; Naumova and Scott, 2000; Glass and Witztum, 2001; Libby, 2001). It does not usually become manifest before the fourth of fifth decade, but then often strikes with devas tating suddenness. Fifty per cent of individuals still die (25 per cent immedi ately) from their first heart attack; and morbidity from coronary heart disease and stroke is very significant. The disease has a profound impact on health care services and on industrial economies. The lesions of atherosclerosis Autopsy studies show that in humans atherosclerosis begins in the first and second decade of life. A similar disease can be produced in experimental animals, where diet and genetics can be manipulated to produce identical lesions. The earliest lesions are fatty streaks. These consist of an accumulation of lipid-engorged macrophages (foam cells) and T and B lymphocytes in the arterial intima. With time, the fatty streaks progress to intermediate lesions, composed of foam cells and smooth muscle cells.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are molecules generated naturally during cellular metabolic processes. They act as signaling agents that oversee specific biochemical pathways, playing a vital role in cell function and survival. However, an imbalance in ROS signaling or excessive ROS production can have harmful effects on the pathophysiology of diseases. ROS are crucial to cell signaling and are involved in various physiological processes. They modulate gene expression, regulate cell cycle progression, and influence immune responses. Although ROS are essential for normal cellular functions, an overabundance of these molecules can lead to oxidative stress, causing DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation, adversely impacting cell function and leading to various diseases. Therefore, it is critical to regulate ROS levels precisely to maintain cellular homeostasis. Reactive Oxygen Species - Advances and Developments is a comprehensive book that delves into the intricacies of ROS. It provides invaluable insights to researchers in the field, equipping them with the essential tools and knowledge to advance their work in this critical area, leading to the development of novel therapeutic interventions to manage various illnesses.