Twenty years ago, the enzyme superoxide dismutase which uses the superoxide radical anion as its specific substrate was reported. With this discovery was born a new scientific field, in which oxygen, necessary for aerobi c 1 ife on thi s planet, had to be cons i dered also in terms of its toxicity and stresses. This stimulated the search for knowledge of active oxygen species in biology and medicine. Superoxide and other reactive oxygen species are now implicated in many disease processes. Major advances have been achieved during these past years with respect to free radical generation and...

Among the various theories proposed to account for the process of aging, the free radical theory is of practical interest since it includes the possibility of retarding this process by administrating natural or synthetic antioxidants and free radical scavengers. The book "Free Radicals and Aging" summarizes knowledge accumulated during recent years in 42 reviews written by experts in the field. Aspects of free radical involvement in the intrinsic aging process and in age-related diseases, as well as the importance of the pro-antioxidant balance throughout life are discussed. Epidemiological...