Named after Selene, Greek goddess of the moon, selenium (Se) has moved has moved from being thought of as a toxicant to being considered an essential nutrient with the potential to reduce cancer risk in the span of seven decades. Diversity of Selenium Functions in Health and Disease focuses on current knowledge of aspects of Se research relevant to its medical use, and particularly to chemoprevention of cancer. It covers how Se is integrated into selenoproteins, selenium compounds with individual functions and dual functions, and unexpected links to Se such as with diabetes. The text ends with a discussion of polymorphisms and mutations in genes of selenoproteins. The chapters elucidate why studies undertaken to prevent diseases with selenium ended with disappointing outcomes and often with the opposite result, i.e. disease promotion. They show that benefit, failure, or side effects depend on: The chemical form and dose of selenium The selenium status of the individual ingesting selenium The capacity of selenium form to serve as a source for selenoprotein biosynthesis The function of selenoproteins reacting to a change in the selenium status The stage of the disease (mainly cancer) at the time point of intervention The genetic background of individuals to be treated Bringing together the accumulated evidence regarding selenium biochemistry, the book covers aspects not found in available general monographs. The narrow focus on medical uses of Se helps resolve the present confusion about potential benefits and hazards of selenium in human health. The book gives you a solid scientific basis for optimum use of selenium in preventing or treating human diseases and answering the questions: Why is selenium essential? How much is required? What are the health consequences of low selenium and can selenium reduce cancer risk?

Characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, metabolic syndrome is associated with the risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Obesity, which increases the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and subsequently leads to increased stress and inflammation, appears to play a central role in the progression of the syndrome. Evidence of inflammatory processes in accumulated fat appears to be an early initiator of metabolic syndrome. Likewise, the more active angiotensin system in obesity may contribute to even greater oxidative stress that serves as a key signaling event in vascular remodeling. These factors strengthen obesity's association with oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mechanisms in Obesity, Diabetes, and the Metabolic Syndrome is designed to encourage the development of evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological therapies that can attenuate the impact of obesity-induced insulin resistance and ensuing metabolic syndrome. The book offers a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the process. Edited by leading authorities on oxidative stress, the book's chapters report on cutting-edge research that explores intracellular events mediating or preventing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory processes in obesity and type 2 diabetes. It also brings together research on the molecular mechanisms inherent in the progression of metabolic stress, includes phenotypic perspectives, and discusses dietary factors, including the role of micronutrients. The chapter authors, each a leading expert in his or her field, discuss different components of metabolic stress and obesity and their associations with oxidative stress and inflammation. The book fills a unique role as a base of knowledge for researchers seeking to develop nutritional and or pharmacological therapies, as well as clinicians seeking a better understanding of this increasingly common dis

Named after Selene, Greek goddess of the moon, selenium (Se) has moved has moved from being thought of as a toxicant to being considered an essential nutrient with the potential to reduce cancer risk in the span of seven decades. Diversity of Selenium Functions in Health and Disease focuses on current knowledge of aspects of Se research relevant to its medical use, and particularly to chemoprevention of cancer. It covers how Se is integrated into selenoproteins, selenium compounds with individual functions and dual functions, and unexpected links to Se such as with diabetes. The text ends with a discussion of polymorphisms and mutations in genes of selenoproteins. The chapters elucidate why studies undertaken to prevent diseases with selenium ended with disappointing outcomes and often with the opposite result, i.e. disease promotion. They show that benefit, failure, or side effects depend on: The chemical form and dose of selenium The selenium status of the individual ingesting selenium The capacity of selenium form to serve as a source for selenoprotein biosynthesis The function of selenoproteins reacting to a change in the selenium status The stage of the disease (mainly cancer) at the time point of intervention The genetic background of individuals to be treated Bringing together the accumulated evidence regarding selenium biochemistry, the book covers aspects not found in available general monographs. The narrow focus on medical uses of Se helps resolve the present confusion about potential benefits and hazards of selenium in human health. The book gives you a solid scientific basis for optimum use of selenium in preventing or treating human diseases and answering the questions: Why is selenium essential? How much is required? What are the health consequences of low selenium and can selenium reduce cancer risk?

Understanding the molecular basis of complex biological processes has been a major goal of biological chemistry from early on. Inflammation is one such entity, and recent years have seen exciting progress in the under- standing of molecular interactions; there has been a long way from dolor, rubor, calor, and tumor as a fundamental description of the phenomenon to current knowledge, e.g., on the control of the respiratory burst of the granulocyte, the atomic details of protease regulation, or the interaction of cytokines. We were glad to have been given the opportunity by the Gesellschaft fUr Biologische Chemie to call upon experts in this bustling field of research for this Colloquium. The sessions were organized in the order of increasing complexity, starting with the key phenomena of the inflamma- tory response and its modulation by cytokines to intravascular events and shock and sepsis; thus, the current attempts to apply basic knowledge on mediators of inflammation to the clinical situation were also considered. In-depth chapters presenting the state of the art in these areas are collected in this book, and we thank the authors for their efforts. We also thank the Chairmen of the sessions, Profs. C. Sorg (Munster), D. Roos (Amsterdam), S. Bhakdi (Mainz), H. J. Muller-Eberhard (Hamburg), H. G. Schwick (Marburg), K. Resch (Hannover), W. Schaper (Bad Nauheim), D. Keppler (Heidelberg), and O. Trentz (Zurich) for their input, and it is a great pleasure to acknowledge the support by Drs.

Hepatic cells are involved in the metabolization and elimination of a variety of endogenous and exogenous substances. They mediate the uptake, processing and subsequent secretion of biliary compounds, such as various drugs or hormones, and the passage of metabolites to be released into different blood compartments. To perform vectorial passages hepatocytes show a strong polarity with sites for endocytotic processes or specific carrier molecules, and a specified system of organelles for intracellular transport and sorting, metabolization and secretion of compounds. Several aspects, e.g. regulation, control and mechanisms of hepatic traffic are reported in detail - complemented by methodological approaches to analyse and monitor these processes.

Peroxisomes (microbodies) have a long evolutionary lifespan, but in cell biology they are still young. It is gratifying to see that most recent advances in our knowledge of peroxisomes come from quite different disciplines, ranging from molecular biology and cell biology to clinical research. The identification in terms of cDNA sequences of enzymes, the localization in terms of immuno-electron microscopy, and the cell biological aspects of the organelle biogenesis have seen substantial progress very recently. Likewise, the phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation induced by a number of drugs, e. g. hypolipidemics and plasticizers, constitute an active area of research, where much is still to be learnt. The medical problem of inborn errors of metabolism seems to have gained a new realm for discovery. Here, the advances in knowledge within the last year have been particularly striking. Therefore, the "International Symposium on Peroxisomes in Biology and Medicine", held in Heidelberg from July 14-17,1986, was even more excit- ing than could have initially been anticipated. The present volume consists of papers from that conference. For sake of rapid publication, the camera- ready format, inspite of all its drawbacks (e. g. no proof reading by authors), was chosen. It is our pleasure to acknowledge support and help. The Symposium was supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bonn, by the Ministerium ftir Wissenschaft und Kunst Baden-Wtirttemberg, Stuttgart, as well as by a number of generous contributors from industry.

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, has a long and multifaceted scientific history. In 1937, the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine was awarded to Albert Szent-Gyorgyi'in recognition of his discoveries concerning the biological oxida tion processes with special reference to vitamin C', and the Nobel Prize for Chemistry was shared by Sir Norman W. Haworth, who was the first to synthesize the vitamin. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, and this action represented the theoretical basis for various lines of investigation on this molecule in which the potential role of ascorbic acid in the prevention and treatment of a series of dis eases, whose pathogenesis is linked to an excess of free radicals such as athero sclerosis and cancer, have been examined. These data have been analyzed in detail by experts in biochemistry, epidemi ology, and preventive and clinical medicine in the International Symposium Vitamin C, the state of the art in disease prevention sixty years after the Nobel Prize, held in Monte Carlo from October 31 to November 1, 1997, under the aus pices and the scientific endorsement of the Nutrition Foundation of Italy and with the financial support of Bracco SpA and Merck."

The first source to collect the latest evidence linking carotenoids to human health and disease, this stimulating reference studies the role of carotenoids in the prevention of chronic disease and reviews breakthrough studies from more than 40 field authorities on the latest research. The book reveals the most recent findings regarding the use of carotenoids in the prevention of cancers and sunburn, as well as eye, heart, vascular, and photosensitivity diseases, and evaluates the potential toxic effects of high-dose carotenoids in both smokers and drinkers. It also focuses on pioneering observations from observational epidemiological and clinical studies, as well as intervention trials on carotenoids.

For over fifty years the Methods in Enzymology series has been the critically acclaimed laboratory standard and one of the most respected publications in the field of biochemistry. The highly relevant material makes it an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life and related sciences. This volume features articles on the topic of osmosensing and osmosignaling written by experts in the field.

For over fifty years the Methods in Enzymology series has been the critically acclaimed laboratory standard and one of the most respected publications in the field of biochemistry. The highly relevant material makes it an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life and related sciences. This volume features articles on the topic of oxygen biology and hypoxia.

This volume on conjugation enzymes and transporters serves to bring together current methods and concepts in an interesting, important and rapidly developing field of cell and systems biology. It focuses on the so-called Phase II enzymes of drug metabolism (xenobiotics), which has important ramifications for endogenous metabolism and nutrition. Also included are aspects on Phase III, transport systems. This volume of Methods in Enzymology presents current knowledge and methodology on glucuronidation, sulfation, acetylation, and transport systems in this field of research. Together with the volumes on Quinones and Quinone Enzymes (volumes 378 and 382), and on Glutathione Transferases and gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidases (volume 401), the state of knowledge on proteomics and metabolomics of many pathways of (waste) product elimination, enzyme protein induction and gene regulation and feedback control is provided. This volume will help stimulate future investigations and speed the advance of knowledge in systems biology.
*A laboratory standard for more than 40 years
*Over 400 volumes strong
*Also available on ScienceDirect

Quinones are members of a class of aromatic compounds with two oxygen atoms bonded to the ring as carbonyl groups. This volume covers more clinical aspects of quinines, such as anticancer properties, as well as their role in nutrition and in age-related diseases.
*Mitochondrial Ubiquinone and Reductases
*Anticancer Quinones and Quinone Oxido-Reductases
*Quininone Reductases: Chemoprevention, Nutrition
*Quinones and Age-Related Diseases

This volume of Methods in Enzymology is concerned with the rapidly developing field of selenoprotein synthesis and its related molecular genetics. Progressive information on the topics of proteins as redox sensors, selenoproteins, and the thioredoxin system is studied using methods such as bioinformatics, DNA chip technology, cell biology, molecular genetics, and enzymology. The information on novel selenoproteins identified from genomic sequence data, as well as current knowledge on glutathione peroxidases, selenoprotein P, iodothyronine deiodinases, and thioredoxin reductases, is presented in a method-based approach.

Oxidative Stress: Eustress and Distress presents current knowledge on oxidative stress within the framework of redox biology and translational medicine. It describes eustress and distress in molecular terms and with novel imaging and chemogenetic approaches in four sections: A conceptual framework for studying oxidative stress. Processes and oxidative stress responses. Signaling in major enzyme systems (oxidative eustress), and damaging modification of biomolecules (oxidative distress). The exposome addresses lifelong exposure and impact on health, nutrient sensing, exercise and environmental pollution. Health and disease processes, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, developmental and psychological disorders, hepatic encephalopathy, skeletal muscle disorders, pulmonary disease, gut disease, organ fibrosis, and cancer. Oxidative Stress: Eustress and Distress is an informative resource useful for active researchers and students in biochemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical science, nutrition, exercise physiology, analytical chemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and environmental science.

This volume of Methods in Enzymology is a companion to Volume 347 and addresses direct sensing of reactive oxygen species and related free radicals by thiol enzymes and proteins.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today-truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.
This volume presents an extensive collection of new methodologies to aid progress in solving unanswered questions concerning the bioavailability and metabolism of flavonoids and polyphenols, their biochemical and molecular biological effects on cell regulation, and their effects on health. Major topics in this volume include sources, characterization, analytical methods, bioavailability, antioxidant action, and biological activity.

Recent advances in understanding the biological role of singlet oxygen in the pathways of cellular responses to ultraviolet-A radiation: its key position in photodynamical effects, and its generation by photochemical (dark) reactions, e.g. by cells of the immune system such as eosinophils and macrophages, are the focus of this volume. The new methods and techniques responsible for the rapid progress in this area are presented.
The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

General Description of the Series:
The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.
Key Features
* Total Antioxidant Activity
* Vitamin C
* Polyphenols and Flavanoids
* Thiols
* Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10
* Carotenoids and Retinoids

Nitric oxide, recently named"Molecule of the Year"by the journal "Science," impinges on a wide range of fields in biological research, particularly in the areas of biomedicine and cell and organismal biology, as well as in fundamental chemistry. This volume and its companion Volume 268 highlight methods used to research the physiology and toxicity of nitric oxide in cellular and organismal systems. It will be a valuable resource for the experienced researcher as well as for those newly entering the field.
Key Features
* Effects of nitric oxide in cells and tissues
* Biochemical reactivity
* Tissue-specific effects
* Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expressions in heterologous systems
* Cellular signaling
* Pathological and clinical aspects of NO
* Fingerprints of pathological action
* Interaction with membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids
* Peroxynitrite
* Tissue and cellular cytotoxicity
* Clinical aspects

Nitric oxide, recently named"Molecule of the Year"by the journal "Science," impinges on a wide range of fields in biological research, particularly in the areas of biomedicine and cell and organismal biology, as well as in fundamental chemistry. This volume and its companion Volume 269 highlight the most current and up-to-date methods used to research the physiology and toxicity of nitric oxide in cellular and organismal systems. It will be a valuable resourcefor the experienced researcher as well as for those newly entering the field.
Key Features
* Generation, detection, and characterization of biological and chemical sources of nitric oxide
* Biochemistry and molecular biology of enzymes and proteins associated with nitric oxide metabolism

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerlyawaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. More than 250 volumes have been published (all of them still in print) and much of the material is relevant even today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.
Key Features
* Prevention of oxidative stress
* Redox regulation of metabolism
* Toxicology
* Carcinogenesis

Since biological tissues are unstable in an oxygen atmosphere, a great deal of effort is expended by organisms to metabolically limit or repair oxidative tissue damage. This volume of Methods in Enzymology and its companion Volume 233 present methods developed to investigate the roles of oxygen radicals and antioxidants in disease. It includes techniques and assays of the activity of biothiols in soluble systems, their interaction with lipids and proteins, and the various new thiol enzymes, such as thioltransferases, being elucidated. Antioxidant reactions and gene regulation are also included.

This volume and its companion, volume 214 of Methods in Enzymology, present a comprehensive, state-of-the-art compilation of the molecular and cellular methodology needed for pursuing research with carotenoids.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, Methods in Enzymology, is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, Methods in Enzymology, is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.