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Delana writes: >>The free radical theory has clearly been shown to be associated with the induction of somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leading to impairment of the functional reserve of tissues heavily dependent on oxidative phosphorylation[OXPHOS] (brain, heart, muscle, etc.) . The end result has been a negative impact on progressive degenerative diseases of the brain (PD, Alzheimer's)<< [snip] I think that the point that I was trying to make was that the "free radical" theory has been around for decades. It was used to explain cancer and other diseases when I was in medical school (in the sixties); and, while molecular biology people are apparently showing some data concerning such recently (thank you for the citations, I will check them out), this approach is not yet developed to the point where there are practical considerations for people suffering from clinical illness. There are a lot of charlatans out there, advertising vitamins and other substances supposedly designed to treat "free radicals", and a lot of patients (IMHO) are being bilked of their resources and given false hope. Anyone, of course, is free to choose their treatment, but, like my comments on pallidotomy many months ago, such approaches should be treated with caution. Best, Bob -- ******************************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S. Phone: 510-849-2555 Neurological Surgery FAX: 510-849-2557 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 USA E-Mail: [log in to unmask] World Wide Web: <http://www.dovecom.com/rafink/> CompuServe: 72303,3442 America Online: BobFink "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ********************************************************