The Cuban Society of Pharmacology and the Pharmacy & Food Sciences College of Havana’s University called its associates and all researchers in the field of free radical / antioxidants in Medicine and Biology to participate in HAVANA-REDOX 2007. This international meeting was carried out in Ciudad de La Habana from January 25th to 27th, 2007.

Reactive Oxygen Species have been associated with the aging process, life styles, diet, several clinical disorders and a range of age-related diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The percentage of the world population of 65 years of age and older has been growing steadily. As longer life spans become a reality, there is a new emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic applications that not only prolong life, but also increase the quality of life and the productivity of the aging population. Aging is associated with an increased incidence and prevalence of numerous diseases, many of then chronic. It is now known that free radicals cause extensive damage to cellular components which can lead to serious dysfunctions and death. Longevity and preventive medicine will substantially impact many of the social and economic issues of the 21st century.

Speakers invited by the Program Committee advanced novel and important concepts and set new directions in the fields of oxidative stress, redox chemistry and biology. Havana Redox was an unique opportunity to combine the exciting field of oxidative stress with Cuban treasures, its beaches and the hospitality and friendliness of its people.

Around 100 Cuban researchers from universities, medical colleagues, research institutes, hospitals and pharmacies have participated in this event. This congress was part of the strategies that are developed worldwide to encourage the integration and collaboration of professionals, as well as their scientific update.

The Organising Committee highlights the participation of more than 62 scientists from 23 countries. From America (Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, United States and Venezuela). From Europe (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Poland, Serbian-Montenegro, Slovenia and United Kingdom). From Asia (India, Iran, Turkey, New Zealand and South Korea) and Africa (Nigeria).

More than 100 scientific contributions among conferences, oral communications, symposia, and posters presentations; as well as the debate, analysis and reciprocal exchange gave relief to this congress. They also allowed the transfer of the acquired knowledge to the participant’s institutions in more than 23 countries and emphasized the need to continue research into oxidative stress chemistry, normal and abnormal biological functions, oxidative stress-related mechanisms, methods to measure oxidative stress in humans for clinical purpose, dietary/pharmacological intervention strategies and the study of antioxidants.

During Havana Redox 2007, our invited lecturers discussed cutting-edge aspects of the mechanism and measurements of protein oxidations and their role in age and diseases; redox signalling mechanisms, biomarkers of oxidative stress; the role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in cell signalling and diseases; and methods in free radical biology and medicine and their application to translational research. We also had special symposiums about ozone therapy and Mangifera indica extract as antioxidant.

A great wealth of research was communicated through a three-day poster symposium and oral presentation sessions that have become a vital component of the meeting. This was a great place for young investigators to share their latest results in all aspects of free radical biology and medicine.

The wonderful scenario of these Congress was the historical sector of Havana, so called “Old Havana” and one of the most important urban areas of the continent, entitled by UNESCO as “Mankind Patrimony”. We are convinced that this meeting bring forth new perspectives for future work and it consolidated even more the scientific activity of all the participants here congregated.  

Thank you very much.

Dr. Gregorio Martínez Sánchez, Ph.D.
President of the Scientific Committee