Stress oxydatif

Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Angiogenesis
in the Metabolic Syndrome

Oxidative Stress,
Inflammation and
Angiogenesis in the
Metabolic Syndrome
edited by
Raquel Soares
University of Porto, Portugal
and
Carla Costa
University of Porto, Portugal
123

Editors
Dr. Raquel Soares
Department of Biochemistry (U38/CFT)
Faculty of Medicine
University of Porto
Al. Prof. Hernani Monteiro
4200-319 Postage
Portugal
[email protected]
Dr. Carla Costa
Department of Biochemistry (U38/FCT)
Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology
Faculty of Medicine
University of Porto
Al. Prof. Hernani Monteiro
4200-319 Postage
Portugal
[email protected]
ISBN 978-1-4020-9700-3 e-ISBN 978-1-4020-9701-0
DOI 10.1007/978-1-4020-9701-0
Library of Congress Control Number: 2008942777
c
Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009
No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording
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Printed on acid-free paper
987654321
springer.com

Preface
The metabolic syndrome (MS), a cluster of several risk factors for diabetes and
cardiovascular disease, major causes of morbidity and death, is a highly prevalent
condition in the western world. Ethiopathogenesis of MS is highly complex, and
participating factors multiple and highly varied. Despite availability of diverse treat-
ment tools and methodologies, the problem persists in its increasing tendency. This
fact shows the necessity to improve the knowledge on MS, both in its overall com-
plexity and in its biochemical mechanisms. An increasing number of studies confirm
that oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and angiogenesis all play important roles
in the pathogenesis of the MS. Although many growth factors and cytokines have
been reported to interfere somehow in those entities, the precise interplay of those
effectors among them and towards the MS is not yet clear.
Most of the published studies focus on the epidemiology, clinical symptoms,
association between features of the MS, or the respective prevention/treatment
strategies. In the present book, the knowledge gathered on MS as a whole, as
well as on the implication of mechanisms of oxidative stress, chronic inflamma-
tion and angiogenesis in its development and progression is critically reviewed and
discussed. It, thus, allows an integrated view of the condition, favouring a holistic
approach towards preventive and therapeutic possibilities.
A special focus is put on some specific issues of recent discovery and/or progress.
These include the role of glucose transporters within MS; the described effects
of polyphenols as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic compounds,
driving them towards putative therapeutic strategies; or the role of NFκB, nitric
oxide synthases, hypoxia-inducible factors, and many other molecules playing a role
in the development of oxidative stress, inflammation, as well as angiogenesis. Given
the novel concepts on oxidative stress highlighted recently, a chapter presenting an
update of this issue is also included.
This book is written in order to fill the gap between basic science and medi-
cal care, and provide the reader, particularly under- and post-graduate students of
health sciences, with skills to apply rigorous basic science to clinical settings of
MS-associated disorders. We hope readers find it clear and simple, and at the same
v

vi Preface
time stimulant and helpful. A most happy end would be its contribution for new
research approaches to understand and help society solve this growing public health
threat.
Porto, Portugal Raquel Soares
Porto, Portugal Isabel Azevedo