ABSTRACT
Increased oxidative stress due to the production of excessive amounts of free radicals derived from oxygen and nitrogen plays a central role in the initiation and progression of damage associated with acute and chronic diseases; therefore, a basic understanding of this process is essential for the development of any preventive or improved treatment strategies. The mechanisms of generating different types of free radicals in the body are very complex; therefore, they are discussed here in general terms. The signicance of increased oxidative stress in aging, various diseases, and injuries is discussed in Chapters 4 through 18.
