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Molecular hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a promising therapeutic and preventive medical gas. Hydrogen gas has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. H2 exhibits exceptional pharmacokinetics, swiftly traversing cellular biomembranes to access subcellular organelles indirectly regulating hormones and cytokines through various signal transduction pathways. H2 has the potential to address a wide range of issues, including clinical medical treatment in the areas of healthcare: myocardial ischemia, heart failure, cardiac arrest, metabolic syndrome, advanced-stage cancer, inflammatory diseases, Alzheimer's dementia, aging-related disorders, sports activities, and even beauty, agriculture, etc.Selected world-known authors in the field provide readers with a comprehensive overview of molecular hydrogen's remarkable effects and its physical, chemical, and therapeutic properties and potential in biomedical applications. This contributed volume fills the current gap in information and is intended for everyone who wants to be better informed about the wide possibilities of using molecular hydrogen. However, it is mainly intended for use by medical students, physiologists, pharmacologists, physicians, and other healthcare personnel who can use molecular hydrogen to improve the health of everyone who needs it.

This book provides an updated account of tight junctions of different epithelia and endothelia and addresses their anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, synthesis, assembly, and modulation. It also discusses the relationship between molecular structure, function, regulation, posttranslational modifications of tight junction proteins and their role in gut microbiota maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and intestinal barrier dysfunction-associated disorders important for the progression of human cancers. This book presents the pathological alterations of tight junctions at the blood-brain barrier that intensify or even initiate neurological dysfunction. Further, it reviews the significance of tight junctions and tight junction proteins in cancer development, infectious diseases, allergic reactions, and autoimmune disorders. Lastly, it highlights strategies for modulating tight junctions to enhance drug availability and organ deposition. This book is immensely useful for basic, translational, clinical, and interdisciplinary cancer researchers, practicing oncologists, and immunologists.

This book provides basic knowledge of the biology, chemistry, and function of oxysterols and its derivatives as well as of phytosterols in numerous human diseases. The book is divided into six sections and begins with an introduction to the biological and chemical properties of oxysterols and its derivatives as well as phytosterols, their synthesis, and the methods currently used for their detection in various biospecimens. The following section discusses in detail the various effects of oxysterols on numerous human diseases, including infectious diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer, as well as neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Importantly, the potential of oxysterols as biomarkers for some of these diseases is also highlighted. The book concludes with an outlook on the pharmacological and nutritional effects of oxysterols and phytosterols and their potential use by the food, and pharmaceutical industries. Aiming to provide an in-depth overview of the biological and the chemical properties of oxysterols and phytosterols and their implications for human health, this book will be of interest to basic and clinical scientists, as well as to anyone working in the food or pharmaceutical industry who is exploring the potential of oxysterols and phytosterols.

Much research has focused on the basic cellular and molecular biological aspects of stem cells. Much of this research has been fueled by their potential for use in regenerative medicine applications, which has in turn spurred growing numbers of translational and clinical studies. However, more work is needed if the potential is to be realized for improvement of the lives and well-being of patients with numerous diseases and conditions.This book series'Cell Biology and Translational Medicine (CBTMED)'as part of Springer Nature's longstanding and very successful Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology book series, has the goal to accelerate advances by timely information exchange. Emerging areas of regenerative medicine and translational aspects of stem cells are covered in each volume. Outstanding researchers are recruited to highlight developments and remaining challenges in both the basic research and clinical arenas. This current book is the 17th volume of a continuing series.

Inflammation, once considered a physiological response to foreign pathogens, is now recognized as a crucial pathological player in the initiation and progression of several chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many others. Considering that cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide, the identification of critical inflammatory processes is of utmost importance to devising new immune-based therapeutics that can be added to existing regimens. This book provides detailed information on aspects of inflammation and the manner in which immune activation pathways affect the progression of cardiovascular diseases and the repair/regeneration mechanisms of underlying diseased tissues.Key Features Outlines the role that inflammation plays in cardiovascular diseases Describes a paradox – neutralization of cytokines that contribute to cardiovascular disease does not show benefit Summarizes research on a variety of processes and mechanisms contributing to cardiovascular pathology Contributions from an international team of leading cardiologists and cardiovascular immunologists Related TitlesRoy, S., et al., eds. Chronic Inflammation: Molecular Pathophysiology, Nutritional and Therapeutic Interventions (ISBN 978-1-138-19955-2)Kong, A-N. T., ed. Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Cancer: Dietary Approaches for Cancer Prevention (ISBN 978-1-138-19984-2)Dick, A., et al. Practical Manual of Intraocular Inflammation (ISBN 978-0-367-38720-4)

The book Heat Shock Proteins in Inflammatory Diseases provides the most comprehensive highlight and insight of the expression, function and therapeutic activity of Heat Shock Proteins in inflammatory diseases including sepsis, psoriasis, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, viral infection and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Using an integrative approach, the contributors provide a synopsis of the most current updates on the state of HSP in inflammatory diseases.Key basic and clinical research laboratories from major universities, academic medical hospitals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories around the world have contributed chapters that review present research activity and importantly project the field into the future. The book is a must read for graduate students. medical students, basic science researchers and postdoctoral scholars in the fields of Cancer Biology, Oncology, Translational Medicine, Clinical Research, Biotechnology, Cell & Molecular Medicine, Pharmaceutical Scientists and Researchers involved in Drug Discovery.

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of a key topic within the multidisciplinary fields of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.​

Inflammation is a biological response triggered by different stimuli that has in the body a potentially damaging effect. In certain conditions, such as injury or infection, inflammation is a normal, healthy response. However, inflammatory disorders that result in the immune system attacking the body's own cells or tissues may cause abnormal inflammation, which results in chronic pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, and damage to normal tissues. Mechanisms involved in promoting a number of different inflammatory disorders and their targeting for therapeutic benefit have been one of the hottest topics in last few decades. The two consecutive volumes (119 and 120) dedicated to this subject cover a wide spectrum of inflammatory disorders, mechanisms that are believed to cause them and different strategies for managing the inflammatory diseases. The volume integrates methods for studying inflammatory disorders, mechanisms that trigger these disorders and strategies for managing the inflammatory disorders It contains timely chapters written by well-renown authorities in their field The information provided in the volume is well supported by a number of high-quality illustrations, figures and tables, and targets a very wide audience of specialists, researchers and students

Inflammatory Disorders - Part B, Volume 120 explores inflammation in the immune system and how the body's own cells or tissues may cause abnormal inflammation, thus resulting in chronic pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, and damage to normal tissues. Chapters in this updated volume include Proteins in monogenic autoinflammatory disorders, Virulence factors and their roles in periodontal disease pathogenesis, Role of Heat shock proteins in Inflammatory disorder Rheumatoid Arthritis, Novel targeted therapies for Crohn's disease: Recent progress and future perspectives, Dietary plant flavonoids in prevention of obesity and diabetes, Small RNAs in allergic diseases, Inflammation and inflammasome during ageing and age-related diseases, and more. Integrates methods for studying inflammatory disorders, mechanisms that trigger these disorders, and strategies for managing inflammatory disorders Contains timely chapters written by well-renowned authorities in their field Provides a number of high-quality illustrations, figures and tables Targets a very wide audience of specialists, researchers and students

Translational Inflammation links laboratory and clinical data within primary and secondary care to clinical research data and offers a holistic and innovative approach to chronic inflammation and ageing. Understanding the role of inflammation as a part of clinical disease states is becoming a valuable tool in both direct treatment and the development of therapeutics. Translational Inflammation, the 4th volume in the Perspectives in Translational Cell Biology series, offers content for professors, students and researchers across basic and translational biology. Emphasizes the role of inflammation in disease and therapeutic approaches Integrates broad concepts relating inflammation to other fields Offers a bridge to review literature and primary research on the inflammatory response towards medical application

In this manuscript, practitioners and students who are concerned with sports and rehabilitation medicine, kinesiology, as well as coaches and athletes, are introduced to numerous concepts, including mechanotransduction, inflammation, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, calpains, the extracellular matrix, neutrophils and macrophages, and their relevance to stretching, particularly stretching intensity. Although the quantitative parameters of training, duration, and frequency are important, it is the qualitative criterion of intensity (“how much”) that the author suggests is ultimately of greater concern. Intensity, the rate and magnitude of force, may be responsible for the proper recovery, regeneration, and adaptation of the musculoskeletal tissues from training, competition, or rehabilitation from injuries. Research suggests that too much force results in the stimulation of an inflammatory response, one associated with a biochemical feedback emerging from a mechanical stimulus. The intent of this manuscript is twofold: to initiate the discussion of the importance of stretching intensity with regard to proper recovery, regeneration, and adaptation, and to suggest that researchers need to explore its potential role in addressing numerous inflammatory (RA) and non-inflammatory (OA, recurrent tendinitis etc.) musculoskeletal conditions as well.

This PIR volume presents a comprehensive collection of reviews that focus on the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during steady-state and inflamed conditions. Within the central nervous system (CNS) the constantly changing bloodstream is strictly separated from the CNS parenchyma by the BBB. However, viruses, bacteria, parasites and auto-aggressive immune cells can penetrate the barrier and significantly contribute to CNS inflammation. The BBB can actively contribute to neuroinflammation by presentation of chemokines, expression of cell adhesion molecules and alterations of barrier properties. As such, understanding the role of the BBB under healthy and pathological conditions is essential to the development of new drugs to efficiently combat inflammatory diseases of the CNS.

This book discusses recent research in innate immunity, which has revealed a large number of receptors that sense the presence of microorganisms or cellular damage in tissues. In complex tissues, many of these sensing events occur simultaneously. Thus, the downstream signaling pathways need to be integrated so that an appropriate cellular inflammatory response can be initiated. In addition, the inflammasome defines the molecular and cellular processes of inflammation in response to microbial infection. Previous data suggested that regulation of inflammasomes is mediated by microbes, but inflammasomes also have antimicrobial functions. Increasing evidence in mouse models, together with human data, strongly implicates an involvement of the inflammasome and uncontrolled inflammation in the initiation and progression of diseases with a high impact on public health. The book reviews novel aspects of functional genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, post-translational modifications, microbiome and immunometabolism in order to understand inflammatory signaling and responses, covering recent findings on the mechanisms underlying the regulation of inflammatory responses to pathogens, dysregulation of these responses in inflammatory disease, and the use of such mechanisms to boost or subdue the inflammatory response. Bridging the gaps in understanding between the fields of human and mouse immunology, it provides valuable insights into inflammatory-mediated disease and immune defense. Such innovative perspectives in both basic and clinical research promote the translation of knowledge to the clinic.

Autophagy principally serves an adaptive function to protect organisms against diverse human pathologies, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Recent developments using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models show the involvement of the autophagy pathway in immunity and inflammation. Moreover, direct interactions between autophagy proteins and immune signalling molecules have also been demonstrated. Defects in autophagy - similar to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and aging - through autophagy gene mutation and/or microbial antagonism, may underlie the pathogenesis of many infectious diseases and inflammatory syndromes. In spite of the increasing awareness of the importance of autophagy in these pathophysiological conditions, this process remains underestimated and is often overlooked. As a consequence, its role in the initiation, stability, maintenance, and progression of these diseases are still poorly understood. This book reviews the recent advances regarding the functions ofthe autophagy pathway and autophagy proteins in immunity and inflammation, focusing on their role in self-nonself distinction, their implications in innate and adaptive immune responses and their dysregulation in the pathology of certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

The book describes the major degenerative processes and pathologies exacerbated by senescence and how they can be alleviated through retardation of cellular aging. Topics discussed include neurodegenerative disease, protein oxidation, cerebrovascular disease, particle-induced inflammation and cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, ovarian aging, dietary and endogenous anti-oxidants in management of Parkinson's disease, and effects of exercise on oxidation and inflammation. The nineteen expertly authored chapters are organized into three sections in order to present a complete picture to the reader: Age Related Cellular Events, Role of Inflammatory and Oxidative Processes in Age-Related Diseases, and Retardation of Cellular Aging.Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Disease draws from a variety of international perspectives and provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between disease, cell aging, and oxidative stress, as well as potential for preventing or slowing these processes. This installment of Springer's Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice is ideal for researchers, clinicians, and advanced graduate students in the fields of cardiology, neuroscience, biogerontolgy, and cell biology.

After the discovery of milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8) about two decades ago, a new era of delineating its potential beneficial role in several inflammatory diseases has begun to spout from the bench to translational research. In MFG-E8 and Inflammation, the editor and contributors have gathered a remarkable collection covering novel discoveries on the rapidly growing field of MFG-E8 and Inflammation which includes not only the findings from their individual lobotomies, but also from a host of pioneering researchers of this field. MFG-E8 and Inflammation starts by describing the origin, structure, expression, functions and regulation of MFG-E8, and then continues thoughtfully exploring its potentiality as a marker for apoptotic, stressed and activated cells. The topics cover the cellular and physiological function of MFG-E8, especially its role in efficient phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, intestinal barrier function, blood cell homeostasis and coagulation, and in the maintenance of the intact vascular system. The role of MFG-E8 in macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, dendritic cells, platelets, as well as non-hematopoietic cells is adequately described in the book. The chapters also contain several lucid discussions on the recent discoveries of the roles of MFG-E8 in the autoimmune diseases, sepsis, tissue ischemia-reperfusion, hemorrhage, inflammatory bowel diseases, acute lung injury, asthma, lung fibrosis, stroke, prion diseases and Alzheimer's diseases with the potential focus on elucidating novel mechanistic pathways. MFG-E8 and Inflammation is an indispensable resource for scientists and clinical researchers working on fundamental or applied aspects of MFG-E8 pathobiology. This book explores, dissects and reviews several noteworthy findings and striking future perspectives which not only rewrite the disease pathophysiology, but also update our understanding towards attaining novel therapeutic potentials against variousinflammatory diseases.

Inflammation is the very natural process of our body; it does its work immediately and smoothly along with lots of helpers. Inflammation is linked to immune system as acute inflammatory or pro-inflammatory phase through macrophage activation. This book is for researchers and scholars in the field of life sciences and medical sciences. The book contains all inflammatory sources around the world. It emphasizes on anti-inflammatory sources along with its active inflammatory constituents and other medicinal uses with authentic references. Anti-inflammation is a kind of activity with is found in nearly all of the natural sources used for major biological activities. So, the book helps them to correlate their activity of interest with anti-inflammatory source. The present work deals with illustrative representation of inflammation, causes of inflammation, inflammatory mediators, anti-inflammatory sources other uses and inflammation and lifestyle. It mainly provides the researchers the updated information from the ancient to the most recent ongoing research on inflammation. This book imparts pace to their idea of thinking, assist to make clear predictions before proceeding to research. The introduction includes natural sources of inflammation and its benefits; the sources are from plant, animal and marine. The book tells how these sources are useful for us to cure several diseases and opens new path for further research. Inflammation part of the book is well presented along with its phases, types and other diseases interrelated with inflammation. Inflammatory mediators, the foremost player of inflammation are defined in a very pleasant and convenient manner. The chapter includes both cell- derived and plasma - derived mediators illustratively with their synthesis and action. Natural source of anti-inflammation is the heart chapter of this book which contains all anti-inflammation sources from plants, marine and animals. This chapter also contains short description of most of the sources, its availability and uses. The authors have also added inflammatory models for assessment of biological activities of natural sources both in vitro and in vivo. Inflammation free lifestyle is described very nicely in the book. The contents are very specific and relevant to its topic; all the data provided is unique and useful. The anti-inflammatory table includes sources, plant parts used, active constituents and other uses. This data provides ample information regarding anti-inflammatory research and innovation. The highlights of this book shall be:-Describes almost all anti-inflammatory sources around the globe at one place in a more convenient tabulated form-Illustrative representation makes the book more attractive and interactive

Oxidative stress and inflammation are among the most important factors of disease. Chronic infections, obesity, alcohol and tobacco usage, radiation, environmental pollutants, and high-calorie diets have been recognized as major risk factors for a variety of chronic diseases from cancer to metabolic diseases. All these risk factors are linked to ch

Providing definitions, clinical features and epidemiology, this handbook and reference adopts a comprehensive approach, describing in detail the various physiological systems involved. As such, it is the first to combine sepsis and non-infectious SIRS, reviewing both the biological and medical aspects of these two important syndromes. The whole is rounded off with a discussion of past, present and future therapies.

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a highly prevalent condition in developed countries and is a cluster of several risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease that includes increased body mass index/waist circumference, visceral obesity, insulin resistance, hyperclycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension, which are all major causes of morbidity and death. This volume provides a critical review and discussion of the knowledge gathered on MS and analyzes the interplay between oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and angiogenesis features. There is a special focus on recent discoveries and progress toward possible therapeutic strategies, such as the role of glucose transporters within MS; the effects of polyphenols as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic compounds. The role of NFkB, nitric oxide synthases, hypoxia-inducible factors, and many other molecules that play a part in the development of oxidative stress and inflammation as well as angiogenesis is also covered. This book fills the gap between basic science and medical care, and provides the reader with the skills to apply rigorous basic science to clinical settings of metabolic syndrome-associated disorders.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes believed to be involved in many physiological and pathological processes associated with inflammatory reactions. MMP synthesis and functions are regulated by three major mechanisms including transcriptional activation, post-transcriptional processing, and control of activity by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Many cell types have been identified as producers of MMPs and TIMPs in a context of inflammatory processes. MMPs are involved in numerous inflammatory diseases, including respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous system pathologies. This volume presents new advances in the involvement of MMPs in various diseases associated with inflammatory processes. Moreover, the recent development of selective and non selective inhibitors of MMPs provides new insights in the relationship between activation of inflammatory cells and tissue remodelling and advises new therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

In Vivo Models of Inflammation (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2) provides the biomedical researcher in both the pharmaceutical industry and academia with a description of the state of the art animal model systems used to emulate diseases with components of inflammation. This second edition acts as a complement to the first edition by describing and updating the standard models that are most utilized for specific disease areas. In addition, new models are included exploring emerging areas of inflammation research. Pioneering ideas and provocative comments about future directions are meant to challenge the status quo and stimulate new thinking. Therefore, new approaches to the development of future models in selected therapeutic areas have been highlighted. The focus on novel technologies that are vital for innovative in vivo research has been expanded to include chapters on the use of transgenic and gene transfer technologies, nanotechnology, and stem cells. The aim of this set of books is to provide current best practices for obtaining the maximum information from in vivo experimentation, while preserving the dignity and comfort of the animal.

In Vivo Models of Inflammation provides the biomedical researcher with a description of the state of the art animal model systems used to emulate diseases with components of inflammation. This second edition acts as a complement to the first edition by describing and updating the standard models that are most utilized for specific disease areas. In addition, new models are included exploring emerging areas of inflammation research. New approaches to the development of future models in selected therapeutic areas have been highlighted. The focus on novel technologies that are vital for innovative in vivo research has also been expanded to include chapters on the use of transgenic and gene transfer technologies, nanotechnology, and stem cells. The aim of this book is to provide current best practices for obtaining the maximum information from in vivo experimentation, while preserving the dignity and comfort of the animal.

The last two decades have shown that the local microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer progression. Cancer is not the result of mutation events in single cells, but of a complex interplay of tumor cells, inflammatory cells, stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and DNA-damaging agents. This book provides an up-to-date overview of how infections and chronic inflammatory conditions can give rise to the onset of a malignant phenotype, a theory that was originally postulated by Rudolf Virchow as early as 1863. Internationally recognized experts discuss novel aspects such as the role of stem cells and the occurrence of aneuploidy in carcinogenesis. Several examples of pathogens and their correlation with specific cancer types are described, e.g. Helicobacter pylori and gastric neoplasia, and schistosomiasis and bladder cancer. The mechanisms of carcinogenesis are examined in detail as are the types of cells that can transform to a malignant phenotype, with special emphasis on stem cells which have recently been shown to give rise to cancer. Further chapters discuss the role of chemokines in directing metastasis and describe options for visualizing metastasis formation in 3-dimensional model systems and in the living body. Our increasing knowledge of the inflammatory microenvironment's role in the carcinogenic process will be the basis for investigating new anti-inflammatory strategies to counter tumor formation and growth. Therefore, this book is essential reading for scientists and clinicians working in cancer research and prevention.

Regulatory T-cells are essential components of the immune system, and several different subsets of regulatory T-cells have been described. Considerable regulatory function has been attributed to the CD4+CD25+ T-cell subset. These cells act by suppressing adaptive and possibly innate immune responses thereby maintaining or restoring the balance between immunity and tolerance. The suppressive effects of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells are cell-contact dependent. Recent developments and viewpoints in the field of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells as well as the potential use of regulatory T-cells in immunotherapy of inflammatory diseases are discussed in this volume. By linking data from experimental models with recent findings from the clinic, this book will be of interest to immunologists and other biomedical researchers as well as clinicians interested in the regulation and manipulation of the immune response during inflammatory disease.

Despite tremendous advances in the understanding of the sensory nervous system which have accompanied the recent explosive growth of the neurosciences, rema- ably few innovative medicines directed towards pain and inflammation are ava- able. Indeed, many patients are still prescribed analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications that were identified long ago as components of herbal remedies. Si- larly, potential new medicines in clinical evaluation based on capsaicin and the c- saicin receptor are both grounded firmly on folk traditions and yet rely upon the most contemporary techniques of drug discovery and delivery. The first formal report of the pain-relieving properties of capsaicin appeared in 1850 [1]. However, for centuries before this, capsaicin-containing extracts had been used as folk medicines in cultures with access to pepper plants, much in the same way as poppy or willow-bark extracts were. Despite widespread use, it was not until 1878 that the selective action of capsaicin on the sensory nervous system was r- ognized [2]. In Chapter 1 of this volume, Janos Szolcsányi reviews this early research, which culminated with the seminal studies of Nicholas Jansco and his c- leagues in Hungary in the 1940s. Since then, capsaicin and related vanilloid c- pounds have played a prominent role in analgesia and inflammation investigations because of their ability to selectively activate a subpopulation of sensory neurons and produce sensations of pain and localized erythema.

In a world full of pathogens the ability to detect an incipient infection and to respond rapidly and appropriately to it is a decisive part of our survival strategy. The innate immune system provides the first response to an infection by initiating an inflammatory response and the monocyte surface molecule CD14 is a key element in this response system. The initial chapters in this volume describe the structure and ligand interactions of this important receptor molecule which is involved both in inflammation and in some aspects of apoptosis. The very recent results which illuminate the probable signal transduction pathways are also described. Overactivation of the inflammatory response can lead to systemic inflammation and septic shock. Attempts to intervene clinically in this system have been disappointing, and the reasons for these failures are discussed in the context of the expression of TNF which is upregulated by CD14. A discussion of new data on the clinical course of shock and the currently emerging therapeutic strategies rounds off the book. The information compiled in this well-edited volume will be of use to everyone working on problems of inflammation - a topic where fundamental research and clinical medicine meet. Clinicians will find the current state of scientific knowledge on the inflammatory response as induced via CD14 presented in a readable form, while the clinical aspects discussed will be of particular interest to scientists and students who lack a medical background.

This book provides the first comprehensive review of research that addresses the immunomodulation of gastrointestinal motility. Results from this new field of research are important for understanding motility disturbances and symptom-generation in a variety of clinical gastroenterological problems, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, enteric infections, and food allergies. The book provides overviews on current perspectives regarding the nature of inflammatory processes, inflammatory mediators, and other immune factors. It also describes a variety of experimental approaches that have been used to study the interactions between immune cells and smooth muscle or enteric nerves. The approaches include in vivo, as well as in vitro studies. Researchers involved in the general field of immunophysiology, as well as the more specific fields of gastrointestinal motility and inflammatory bowel diseases will find this book to be invaluable in their research.