This volume examines the role of oxidative stress in the pathology of numerous pediatric disorders. It covers a wide range of topics including the chemistry and biology of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, molecular biology of the enzymes generating these species, clinically useful biomarkers for evaluating oxidative stress status in humans, and the pathophysiology, clinical course and management of a variety of pediatric disorders, among others. The book also describes current diagnostic tools, laboratory methods and technology for treatment and prevention of pediatric disorders. It explores emerging technology and medical applications including discussions of biomarkers and antioxidants as therapeutic agents. Written by an international team of experts in both pediatrics and free radical and antioxidant research, Studies on Pediatric Disorders is an invaluable addition to the Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice series.

This comprehensive book reviews our current state of knowledge about the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), which comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases with distinct histological characteristics, such as minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). As the word "idiopathic" indicates, the pathogenesis of INS remains unclear. Historically, T-cell dysfunction has been thought to play an important part in the pathogenesis of MCNS, while circulating vascular permeabilities have been believed to induce proteinuria in FSGS. The book further describes recent advances in molecular biology, which have allowed us to speculate on the interactions between visceral glomerular epithelial cells (podocytes) and the relative significance of several molecules in the pathogenesis of INS, such as reactive oxygen species, nuclear factor-kappa B, CD80, angiopoietin-like 4, cardiotrophin-like cytokine-1, and M-type phospholipase A2 receptor. The normally rapid pace of scientific progress occasionally devolves into a state of chaos, and the pathogenetic research on INS is one such case. This volume will help researchers and scientists to collaborate, share resources, and expedite the design of protocols to evaluate the putative factors.