About the book
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a wonder molecule which on one hand acts in redox homeostasis and on the other causes damage to various tissues leading to degenerative diseases. When molecular oxygen reacts with electrons it gets converted into ROS. ROS comprises various radicals and non-radical such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, and hydroxyl radical. Peroxynitrite formed by the merger of nitric oxide and superoxide radical is a highly reactive oxidant with tissue-damaging effects. ROS has great significance in biological metabolism and immune regulation. Abnormal metabolism due to various pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and ageing leads to the elevation of ROS. An enhanced level of ROS in the defense mechanisms leads to oxidative stress. This phenomenon causes oxidation of proteins, DNA damage, inhibition of enzymes, and programmed cell death. Scientists are working on developing biomarkers for various diseases. Studies on nanocarriers for gene therapy and designer nanoenzymes envisaged the newer approach towards the elevated and decreased ROS levels. This might lead to precise and site-specific drug/gene delivery depending on the responsiveness of ROS.
The book intends to provide the reader with a comprehensive and systematic overview of reactive oxygen species in health and diseases and the state-of-the-art technology for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
