Mitochondria have traditionally been associated with metabolic functions; however recent research has uncovered a central role for these organelles in cell signaling, cell survival, and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in a myriad of pathophysiological conditions, including age-related neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Mitochondrial Signaling in Health and Disease examines themes essential for the maintenance of the mitochondrial redox (reduction-oxidation) energy axis.

With contributions...

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide affecting patients from all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. It comprises a spectrum of hepatic pathology ranging from simple steatosis, in which there is an increase of fat accumulation in hepatocytes, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. The significant prevalence of this disease between 15 and 45 percent of the general population means that it contributes to an increased burden of ill health both today and in the future.

Liver Metabolism and Fatty Liver Disease addresses the...

Some mild stresses have positive effects on survival and aging as shown in animal models. There is also a large body of research that demonstrates these hormetic effects on aging, health, and resistance to severe stresses and diseases in human beings. However, the data are dispersed in the literature and are not always interpreted as hormetic effects. Hormesis in Health and Disease reviews the evidence for hormesis in humans as achieved through a variety of stresses or stimuli, and discusses mechanisms of hormesis and its ethical and legal issues.
Divided into four sections,...

Nutrition and Epigenetics presents new information on the action of diet and nutritional determinants in regulating the epigenetic control of gene expression in health and disease. Each chapter gives a unique perspective on a different nutritional or dietary component or group of components, and reveals novel mechanisms by which dietary factors modulate the epigenome and affect development processes, chronic disease, and the aging process. This pivotal text:

• Documents the epigenetic effect of antioxidants and their health benefits
• Adds to the understanding of mechanisms...

Oxidative modification of lipids and phospholipids including radical damage, halogenation, and nitration result in significant changes to the chemical properties of the molecules, which in turn have a major effect on their biochemical functions. Lipid oxidation has long been regarded as a deleterious process responsible for lipid rancidity, loss of function, and generation of toxic products. However in recent years, research has also focused on the non-detrimental physiological and pathological effects of these chemical reactions. Lipid Oxidation in Health and Disease provides an...

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...

Flavonoids exert a multiplicity of biological effects on humans and can have beneficial implications for numerous disease states. Flavonoids and Related Compounds: Bioavailability and Function examines current knowledge regarding the absorption, metabolism, and bioavailability of individual flavonoids and related phenolic compounds.

Profiling the latest evidence of their impact on various human pathological conditions, the book summarizes current thinking with regard to the biotransformation and conjugation of individual compounds in the gastrointestinal...

Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is a worldwide, public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Rickets among infants has reemerged. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased risk and mortality from cancer. At the same time, the beneficial effects of vitamin D on a host of conditions have recently been discovered. Focusing on areas not extensively covered in other comparable books, Vitamin D: Oxidative Stress, Immunity, and Aging highlights the most recent research findings on the impact of this nutrient in oxidative stress,...

Vitamin A (retinol) is an essential dietary compound with myriad metabolic and regulatory functions. Deficiency can result in vision problems, compromised immune responses, and a host of other medical issues. More than 600 carotenoids have been identified in plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria, and around 50 carotenoids including -carotene can be converted into vitamin A. Carotenoids and Vitamin A in Translational Medicine reviews the medical use of carotenoids and vitamin A in cancer; diseases of the skin, eye, ear, and lung; and inflammatory bowel and metabolic...