This volume provides a state-of-the-art overview of the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases. Our knowledge about PLA2 has increased tremendously in the last two decades and investigations of the enzyme have revealed a whole family of different gene products. A rough distinction can be made between intracellular and secretory PLA2. The involvement of PLA2 in various life-threatening inflammatory diseases as well as in carcinomas is documented by many contributions to this volume. Recently developed transgenic and knockout mouse models are a powerful new tool for PLA2 research. A number of specific inhibitors of the various PLA2s offer new therapeutic approaches to control unwanted acute and chronic inflammatory responses and to intervene in malignant diseases. Due to the enzyme's important role in these pathophysiological processes, this update of PLA2 research will interest basic scientists, physicians, oncologists, ICU specialists and surgeons
