Antioxidants in Disease Mechanisms and Therapy presents molecular actions of natural and synthetic antioxidants and emphasizes the potential role in disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. The modulationof gene expression by the induction of antioxidant enzymes is a novel role beyond the direct antioxidant action. The volume explores the current state of knowledge on oxidants and antioxidants in disease processes, including arteriosclerosis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Down's syndrome, inflammation, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, afflications of the nervous system, AIDS, liver diseases, diabetes, skin diseases, and cancer. Key Features * Contains cutting-edge information on focused topics written by expert scientists * Provides the first in-depth treatment of novel compounds, such as melatonin and polyamines * Attempts molecular pathophysiology which links basic science and the clinic * Presents critical assessment of controversial topics