الصفحة 1
الصفحة 1
Free-Radical-Induced DNA Damage and Its Repair : A Chemical Perspective
Understanding of the molecular basis of DNA damage and its repair has increased dramatically in recent years, and substantial knowledge now exists concerning the products arising from free-radical attack on DNA. Free-radical DNA damage may lead to mutations, cancer, and cell death. Free radicals have various sources, notably ionizing radiation and oxidative stress. In radiotherapy for cancer and with some anticancer drugs, use is made of cell death by excessive DNA damage. The mechanisms leading to products of free-radical attack which have been studied in models and with small double-stranded DNA fragments are discussed in detail, and the basics of the underlying free-radical chemistry are dealt with in separate chapters.
Cigarette Smoke and Oxidative Stress
From a public health point of view, there is little doubt that one of the most important preventable causes of disease worldwide is tobacco smoking. From a scientifc point of view, we found it of interest to make a comprehensive ov- view of what we presently know about oxidative stress and tobacco smoke, because sm- ing is presently the best-known common condition associated with oxidative stress, and it may serve as a model for others. To this end, we have asked distinguished researchers from the public and the private sectors to evaluate the present scientifc status in their particular area. Authors were selected purely because of their scientifc merits.
