xidative stress refers to the cytotoxic consequences of reactive oxy- O
gen species (ROS) which are generated as by-products of normal or
aberrant metabolic processes that utilize molecular oxygen, or changes
in protection systems. Thus, generation of ROS is a part of normal life
and their interaction with host defense systems appears to exert a sig-
nificant influence on the normal and abnormal functioning of the cen-
tral nervous system. Oxidative stress could also be a secondary conse-
quence of defects in energy metabolism involving mitochondria. A subbtle
shift toward the prooxidant status that occurs in brain aging could
contribute to the pathogenesis and neuropathology of neurodegenerative
disorders exemplified by Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The attractive fea- ture of the oxidative
stress hypothesis is that it can account for cumula- tive damage
associated with the delayed onset and the progressive na- ture of these
conditions. Oxidative damage may constitute a common pathogenic link
between these seemingly diverse neurodegenerative dis- orders. This book
examines current knowledge and recent advances of fundamental processes
involved in neuronal death, particularly oxida- tive stress as a causal,
or at least an ancillary, factor in neuronal death. This book also
presents an up-to-date account of the current state of knowledge about
of oxidative stress in neuronal apoptosis and its role in the
neuropathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.