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Low levels of DNA damage caused by oxidative stress can be repaired, whereas extensive damage usually results in cell death. p53 contributes to both outcomes by stimulating expression of either pro- or antioxidant genes (pages 1306–1313).
Local levels of cAMP regulate the precise opening of the ryanodine receptor complex—which releases calcium at the start of a heartbeat. Loss or inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4D enzymatic activity leads to calcium leak, heart failure and arrhythmia.
Maintenance of the retinal vasculature protects against proliferative retinopathy and blindness. Lipids and free radicals together modulate vascular stability through regulation of antiangiogenic proteins (pages 1339–1345).
Abdominal aortic aneurysms arise from chronic, irreversible destruction of connective tissue. A promising pharmacologic approach not only suppresses development of aneurysms, but also induces regression (pages 1330–1338).