The initial perception of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and other reactive oxygen species as unwanted but unavoidable biproducts of aerobic existence was subdued during the past couple of decades by continuously emerging data showing their involvement in redox signalling. In parallel, another very important but less prominent aspect of H₂O₂ metabolism has been developing which concerns the role of H₂O₂ in adaptation. A number of studies have illustrated that, at concentrations in the high physiological range, H₂O₂ induces adaptive changes, increasing resistance of biological systems not only to oxidative stress but to many other stimuli as well. The capability of H₂O₂ to induce the synthesis of a large number of proteins and to provide cross-resistance implies that living systems may “intentionally”� produce H₂O₂ as a component of adaptation in response to different fluctuations and perturbations shifting the system away from homeostasis.

The aim of this issue is to make the next step in understanding the involvement of H₂O₂ and other reactive oxygen species in adaptation. We invite authors to help in creating what will represent a milestone in the field of redox physiology by presenting original research articles as well as reviews exploring and explaining different aspects of H₂O₂-mediated adaptation. Investigations performed on human material, cultured cells, animal model systems, yeast, and bacteria are eligible. We encourage authors to prepare evidence-based reviews with strong personal impact. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• The effects of pretreatment with H₂O₂ on (multifaceted) adaptive responses
• Adaptation systems and aging
• Adaptation to cold and other types of environmental stress
• Adaptation systems in exercise
• Adaptation systems in hypoxia and cardiovascular conditions
• Adaptation systems in nervous tissue
• Adaptation systems and metal homeostasis
• Adaptation systems and inflammatory response
• Angiogenesis and wound healing
• Cell cycle
• Tumor progression and metastasis
• Regulation of enzymatic activity
• Regulation of transcription and translation
• Characterisation of proteins whose synthesis is regulated by H₂O₂

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/oximed/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: