Oxidative balance: from chemistry to clinical medicine-Preface

There is evidence that even subtle changes in the redox balance, induced by sub-toxic levels of oxidant species, can lead to the loss of cellular function. On the other hand, localized oxidant species formation can exert beneficial effects. In the present issue, biochemistry and pharmacology of oxygen and nitric oxide, as well as their influence on the pathways of cell cycle progression, inflammation, hypertension and cardiovascular disease are reviewed. Furthermore, the novel strategy of combining cooperative antioxidants to increase pharmacological protection against oxidative stress is presented