BACKGROUND In smokers, smoking causes many disease entities including cancers, chronic pulmonary diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Passive smoking is also accepted as a carcinogen and its adverse health effects are emphasized. We measured blood vitamin A, C, E (alpha-, beta- and gamma-tocopherol), coenzyme Q10 and urine cotinine concentrations in nonsmokers and smokers. METHODS Twenty-one...

Stem/branch maintenance respiration for a stand of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) during the dormant season was examined using an open flow system. The stem/branch respiration rates per unit of volume were closely related to the thickness of the stems and branches, e.g. it decreased with increasing diameter (p<0.0001). When the respiration rates on the various positions were regressed aga...

INTRODUCTION An increase in oxidative stress is strongly documented in hypertensive patients. In blood vessels, oxidative stress increases the production of superoxide anion (O(2) (•-)) that reacts with nitric oxide (NO) and impairs the ability of endothelium to relax. Many reports indicate a beneficial effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) in hypertension. Coenzyme Q10 therapy may lower O(2) (•-) and t...