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The substantial biological importance of gaseous mediators in various physiological-pathological conditions has been realized only recently, but to date, the detailed mechanisms involved remain elusive. The publication at hand contains 16 overviews written by a panel of experts who summarize the current knowledge and provide fundamental insights into the roles of gaseous molecules in signal transduction in biological systems. The first part provides a comprehensive overview on gaseous mediators in health and disease. In the second part, the medical application of various molecules such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, acetone and phytoncide are discussed. Furthermore, articles on skin gas biology and Carbon-13 (13C), especially clinical applications of 13C-labeled substrate are included. This book provides valuable information not only for basic researchers in physiology and biochemistry, but also for gastroenterologists and clinicians who wish to learn more about the role of gaseous mediators.

There is a growing body of experimental and clinical data to suggest that the organs of the digestive system may be subjected to considerable oxidative stress associated with acute and chronic inflammation. Although inflammation and ischemia play a key role in producing oxygen-derived free radicals in the digestive tract, the contribution of other factors, such as transition metal imbalances, lipid and glucose metabolic disturbance, and the interaction with gaseous molecules including nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, has also been suggested. Recent studies have demonstrated that several biomarkers indicating oxidative stress-mediated damage may help in monitoring the degree of disease and planning the design of new therapeutic strategies. In addition, recent advances in ‘omics'research (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.) may bring a breakthrough in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology: Several molecular targets for oxidative stress have been presented by the ‘omics'. This book includes up-to-date reviews on the relevant issues in free radical biology in a combination with expert basic research reviews and clinical aspects in gastroenterology and hepatology. Providing information about new molecular targets for the treatment or prevention of digestive diseases, this book should be read by clinical and basic researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology.