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This book provides the most up-to-date information on the clinical research into and medical management of Kawasaki Disease, and opens the door for new pathological insights. Its nearly 50 sections cover basic research, genetic backgrounds, bacterial and　biological　evidence, and medical　treatment　with　intravenous　immunoglobulin, steroids, and recent anti-cytokine approaches. It offers an invaluable resource for general pediatricians, pediatric and adult cardiologists, pediatric cardiac surgeons, infectious disease specialists, pediatric rheumatologists, epidemiologists, and basic researchers in these disciplines.

This book provides comprehensive analysis into individualized patient care, and applying evidence‐based medicine while integrating basic medical knowledge with applied medicine. The Editor and the contributors not only discuss important issues on hypertension management and its deleterious consequences if it is not well‐controlled, but also highlight the important signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of hypertensive heart disease and cardiac hypertrophy.

Advances in Nitric Oxide and Cancer is a volume that serves to give the latest research on nitric oxide (NO) and cancer. More specifically, the volume reviews significant advances in the application of NO-mediated drugs. The volume explores nitric oxide and its relationship to cancer spanning from its roles in the pathogenesis, prognosis, gene and protein modifications, regulation of resistance to cytotoxics, and therapeutic applications. With chapters written by leading experts, the volume addresses the burgeoning interest in a rapidly advancing field and provides a valuable resource to scientists who have initiated research as well as clinical investigations in their laboratories on the various roles of NO and cancer.

As our knowledge about arterial disease is greatly expanding, the aim of this book is to explore all aspects of arterial pathology, including classification, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and therapeutic options. The discussion of pathophysiologic mechanisms of arterial disease is wide ranging, encompassing hemodynamic, metabolic, humoral, inflammatory, genetic and environmental factors. Particular emphasis is placed on recent concepts, such as: the role of age-associated arterial alterations in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases in older persons, the importance of mineral metabolism-bone vascular interactions, the clinical and prognostic significance of the renal resistive index, retinal circulation, toxemia of pregnancy as an arterial disease, and the role of pulmonary/vascular interaction in pulmonary hypertension and cross-talk of macrocirculation and microcirculation in target organ involvement. Evaluation procedures are carefully explained, and the full range of currently available therapeutic options, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic approaches, are described and appraised. ​

The role of oxidative stress in human disease has become an area of intense interest. Free radicals, a normal product of metabolism, exist in all aerobic cells in balance with biochemical antioxidants. Environmental stress increases the levels of free radicals drastically, thereby disturbing the equilibrium between free radical production and the antioxidant capability causing oxidative stress. Over the years, ROS has been implicated in the pathologies of various diseases like cancer, neurological disorder, cardiovascular diseases rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes etc. This book provides an in depth critical state-of-art reviews from established investigators on free radicals, ROS associated pathogenesis of human diseases, biomarkers of oxidative damage, antioxidants, phytonutrients and other related health concerns of modern society.The present book is aimed at graduate students, researchers in academia, industry and clinicians with the interest in redox biology. Special attention has been devoted to the topic of ROS signalling, oxidative stress induced human pathologies & antioxidative therapies. The book consists of four parts in specified topics based on the current literatures for the better understanding of the readers with respect to their subject-wise interests. The first section of the book provides an overview about the ROS production and their measuring tools and techniques followed by the mechanisms involved in the oxidative stress in the second section. The third section describes the involvement of oxidative stress in different human diseases and the last section focuses on the different strategies to ameliorate oxidative stress induced stress.

The intention of this unique title is to bridge the gap between psychiatry and neuroscience, allowing a fruitful dialogue between both sciences. Recognizing that psychiatry has received important contributions from the basic neurosciences and that the basic neurosciences have received inspiration and objectives from the open problems of psychiatry, Psychiatry and Neuroscience: Bridging the Divide is designed to identify the borders, trends and implications in both fields today. Comprehensive and developed by a renowned group of experts from both fields, the book is divided into four parts: Epistemological Considerations About the Study of Normal and Abnormal Human Behaviors; From Basic Neurosciences to Human Brain; Neurosciences, Learning, Teaching and the Role of Social Environment and Explaining Human Pathological Behaviors: From Brain Disorders to Psychopathology. A unique and invaluable addition to the literature in psychiatry and neuroscience, Psychiatry and Neuroscience: Bridging the Divide offers an important and clearer understanding of the relationship between psychiatry and neuroscience.

This book surveys healthy and diseased vascular systems in a multitude of model organisms and systems. It explores a plethora of functions, characteristics, and pathologies of the vascular system such as angiogenesis, fibroblast growth factor signaling, lymphangiogenesis, junctional signaling, the extracellular matrix, vascular permeability, leukocyte extravasation, axon guidance factors, the angiopoietin system, and chronic obstructive lung disease. Following a preface from leading researcher Dr. Holger Gerhardt, the text is divided into three sections- the first examining the development of the vascular system in a variety of contexts, the second delving into its homeostatic characteristics, and the third discussing its pathophysiologies. The sixteen chapters, which represent international clinical and research perspectives, highlight the importance of molecular and signaling pathways for translational basic science and clinical medicine. Additionally, the text explores new and exciting fields in vascular biology research. Comprehensive in both content and approach, Vascular Signaling in Health and Disease is ideal for graduate students, researchers, and clinicians interested in vascular biology, pneumology, and molecular biology.

The biological membranes of cellular organization enfold an important group of membrane proteins called the ATPases, which are not only versatile in maintaining chemical gradient and electrical potential across the membrane but also bring metabolites necessary for cell metabolism and drive out toxins, waste products and solutes that otherwise can curb cell functions. ATPases are distributed virtually in all live forms starting from unicellular to multicellular and also in viruses. There are different types of ATPases, which differ in function and structure and in the type of ions they transport. The three main types of the ion pump ATPase family are: (i) P-type ATPases that transport different ions across membranes and Ca2+ATPases belongs to this catagory (ii) F-type ATPase in mitochondria, chloroplasts and bacterial plasma membranes produce ATP using the proton gradient; and (iii) V-type ATPase catalyzes ATP hydrolysis to transport solutes and maintains acidic pH in organelles like lysosomes. Genetic defects in either of the ATPases cause several diseases and a number of researches have demonstrated the involvement of the members of ATPases in the cell pathology and diseases, thereby penetrating exciting new areas of our understanding. In this book, the authors summarize recent knowledge about the molecular mechanisms associated with Ca2+-ATPase, V-ATPase and F-ATPase in intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ transport, mitochondrial ATP synthase, vesicular H+ transport, and lysosomal pH regulation. This book thereby bridges the gap between fundamental research and biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The book provides an informative resource to improve ATPase research and modern therapeutic approaches toward different life threatening diseases that are associated with dysregulation of the ATPases.

The unique biology of cardiac fibroblasts and related cells, such as cardiac myofibroblasts and valvular interstitial cells, distinguish them from other fibroblastic cells, a concept that is only beginning to be widely appreciated. Further, the natural signals that stimulate and inhibit cardiac fibrosis within these cells are not well understood. This volume compiles articles that address the molecular mechanisms that control the synthesis and secretion of the cardiac ECM. The book showcases chapters that highlight discussion of role of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ), an important fibrogenic cytokine and its downstream effectors SMAD in many cardiac diseases. Further, the contributions highlight information to discuss endogenous inhibitors of cardiac fibrosis, as well as advances in tissue engineering specific to matrix in the heart. Finally, discussions of unifying mechanisms of matrix remodeling in valves and myocardium are presented.The mechanisms involved in the stimulation of cardiac fibrosis are not fully understood. In most cases the marginal attenuation of cardiac fibrosis as a result of a given therapy is a beneficial side-effect linked to other primary effects on other cells, especially cardiomyocytes. Very few drugs or agents are known to affect the function and dysfunction of cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts alone. The book helps to translate the information gathered within to allow us to alter the course of fibrogenic events that are typical of cardiac fibrosis, and thereby reduce their burden on the patient and on society itself.

The purpose of this monograph is to present readers with a comprehensive and cutting edge description of neurochemical effects of diet (beneficial and harmful effects) in normal human brain and to discuss how present day diet promotes pathogenesis of stroke, AD, PD, and depression in a manner that is useful not only to students and teachers but also to researchers, dietitians, nutritionists and physicians. A diet in sufficient amount and appropriate macronutrients is essential for optimal health of human body tissues. In brain, over-nutrition, particularly with high-calorie diet, not only alters cellular homeostasis, but also results in changes in the intensity of signal transduction processes in reward centers of the brain resulting in food addiction. Over-nutrition produces detrimental effects on human health in general and brain health in particular because it chronically increases the systemic and brain inflammation and oxidative stress along with induction of insulin resistance and leptin resistance in the brain as well as visceral organs. Onset of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress not only leads to obesity and heart disease, but also promotes type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are risk factors for both acute neural trauma (stroke) and chronic age-related neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders, such as Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD) and depression.

Together, the volumes in this series present all of the data needed at various length scales for a multidisciplinary approach to modeling and simulation of flows in the cardiovascular and ventilatory systems, especially multiscale modeling and coupled simulations. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are tightly coupled, as their primary function is to supply oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from the body's cells. Because physiological conduits have deformable and reactive walls, macroscopic flow behavior and prediction must be coupled to nano- and microscopic events in a corrector scheme of regulated mechanism. Therefore, investigation of flows of blood and air in anatomical conduits requires an understanding of the biology, chemistry, and physics of these systems together with the mathematical tools to describe their functioning in quantitative terms.The present volume focuses on macroscopic aspects of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in pathological conditions, i.e., diseases of the cardiac pump, blood vessels, and airways, as well as their treatments. Only diseases that have a mechanical origin or are associated with mechanical disorders are covered. Local flow disturbances can trigger pathophysiological processes or, conversely, result from diseases of conduit walls or their environment. The ability to model these phenomena is essential to the development and manufacturing of medical devices, which incorporate a stage of numerical tests in addition to experimental procedures.

Diabetes has long been recognized as a disease of high blood sugar, and there has been a continuous search of the exact reason for its development and effective treatment. In 2005, the World Health Organization had estimated that more than 180 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes mellitus and indicated that this figure is likely to double within the next 20 years. Among the 3.8 million deaths each year associated with diabetes, about two thirds are attributable to cardiovascular complications, and diabetes is now considered to be a major metabolic risk factor for the occurrence of heart disease.Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms is a compilation of review articles devoted to the study on the topic with respect to biochemical and molecular mechanisms of hyperglycaemia. The wide range of areas covered here is of interest to basic research scientists, clinicians and graduate students, who are devoted to study the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Furthermore, some chapters are directed towards increasing our understanding of novel ways for the prevention/treatment of cardiomyopathy.Twenty five articles in this book are organized in three sections. The first section discusses general aspects of the metabolic derangements in diabetic cardiomyopathy including metabolic alterations and substrate utilization as well as cardiac remodelling in the heart; role of diet in the development of metabolic syndrome in the heart; effect of hyperglycaemia in terms of biochemical and structural alterations in heart. In the second section, several cellular and molecular mechanisms are discussed indicating that diabetic cardiomyopathy is a multifactorial and complex problem. The third section discusses the prevention and treatment of diabetes using appropriate diet, proper supplements including antioxidants, angiotensin inhibitors and some other drugs. All in all, this book discusses the diverse mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy with some information on new therapeutic approaches for finding solutions to prevent or reverse the development of cardiac dysfunction.

This book, for the first time, comprehensively assembles and analyzes a large body of information on the role of the fundamental mechanism of the protein biosynthesis pathway, translation, in cancer biology. It systematically explores the function of the translation machinery and its regulation, including cell signaling, in the development, maintenance and progression of human cancer. The work presented here unveils the tremendous potential and applications of this vast and exciting branch of genetic, biochemical and molecular science in cancer medicine and drug development.Chapters contributed by experts in the field take the reader on a journey that starts with a dissection of the translation machinery and its regulation in norm and cancer. Later chapters characterize etiological and pathogenetic roles that translation plays in specific cancer types. Various aspects of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance of the translation machinery and its control in cancer are discussed. Readers will discover the importance of the process of translation and its regulatory mechanisms in physiology and cancer biology.The chapters and the numerous illustrations included here were contributed by expert scientists and clinicians from renowned academic and clinical establishments in Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Australia.The book conveys information and knowledge that may interest a broad range of students and scholars ranging from basic scientists to clinicians and drug developers seeking to better understand the protein synthesis and its aberrations in cancer biology and cancer medicine.

In cardiovascular prevention, there is classically a small number of cardiovascular risk factors to treat, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and smoking excess, which are widely detected and treated. Recently, it has been widely recognized that new mechanical factors should be detected and treated and involves specifically pulsatile arterial hemodynamic (PAH) parameters such as: arterial stiffness, pulse pressure, and, to a lesser extent, augmentation index and pulse pressure amplification. The pedagogic aspect of this new CV specialty involves 3 principal parts: a. –Basic concepts and pathophysiological mechanisms of PAHb. –Clinical aspects and end-organ damage in PAHc. – Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics of PAH This book represents the first that spans basic science and clinical management of this new CV subspecialty. Much has been learned regarding the management of these patients in recent years and this book presents extensive data on the techniques needed to maximize outcomes.​

“Metabolism of Human Diseases” examines the physiology of key organs (e.g. brain, eye, lung, heart, blood vessels, blood, immune system, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, fat tissue, kidney, reproductive system, teeth, bone and joints) and how defective metabolism and signaling pathways within these organs contribute to common human diseases. The latter include depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, macular degeneration, glaucoma, asthma, COPD, pneumonia, atherosclerotic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, varicose veins, Sickle cell disease, hyperlipidemia, fever, sepsis, allergies, peptic ulcer, gastroenteritis, lactose intolerance, colon cancer, diabetes, cirrhosis, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, gout, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, dental caries, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer and prostate cancer. The book also describes commonly used drugs and explains their molecular targets. It provides the first comprehensive and detailed summary of the metabolism of individual organs and their physiological and pathological functioning. Thus it serves as a useful supplement to previous textbooks of human physiology. “Metabolism of Human Diseases” is a must-have, state-of-the-art textbook written by International experts for graduate students, postdocs and scientists in metabolic research, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacy as well as for physicians interested in molecular mechanisms underlying common human diseases.

This volume examines the role of oxidative stress in the pathology of numerous pediatric disorders. It covers a wide range of topics including the chemistry and biology of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, molecular biology of the enzymes generating these species, clinically useful biomarkers for evaluating oxidative stress status in humans, and the pathophysiology, clinical course and management of a variety of pediatric disorders, among others. The book also describes current diagnostic tools, laboratory methods and technology for treatment and prevention of pediatric disorders. It explores emerging technology and medical applications including discussions of biomarkers and antioxidants as therapeutic agents. Written by an international team of experts in both pediatrics and free radical and antioxidant research, Studies on Pediatric Disorders is an invaluable addition to the Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice series.

​Over the last decade the science and medicine of high altitude and hypoxia adaptation has seen great advances. High Altitude: Human Adaptation to Hypoxia addresses the challenges in dealing with the changes in human physiology and the particular medical conditions that arise from exposure to high altitude. In-depth and comprehensive chapters cover both the basic science and the clinical consequences of exposure to high altitude. Genetic, cellular, organ and whole body system responses to high altitudes are covered and chapters discuss these effects on a wide range of diseases. Expert authors provide insight into the care of patients with pre-existing medical conditions that fail in some cases to adapt as well as offer insights into how high altitude research can help critically ill patients. High Altitude: Human Adaptation to Hypoxia is an important new volume that offers a window into greater understanding and more successful treatment of hypoxic human diseases.

Research over the years has demonstrated that free radicals mediated oxidative stress lies at the helm of almost all patho-physiological phenomena. These findings emphasize on the need to understand the underlying molecular mechanism(s) and their critical role in the pathogenesis. This book aims to focus on these areas to provide readers a comprehensive outlook about the major redox sensitive pathways and networks involved in various disease conditions. In the first chapter of the book, basic information about the oxidative stress, its generation, its biomarkers and its role in body are discussed. In the next three chapters, the role of oxidative stress in various pathologies ranging from neurological disorders, to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, metabolic diseases and ageing have been described. Chapter 5 cumulatively describes the most important molecular signaling pathways that are affected by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are the mechanisms which are common denominators invarious pathological states. In the next part of the book, various antioxidant strategies to target and mitigate ROS have been discussed with details on the mechanisms. Selenium, being the research focus and interest of the authors for years, the role of selenium as an antioxidant as part of selenoproteins has been included in the book. Finally, the book culminates with authors'perspective on the future of the redox biology field. Throughout the book, efforts have been made to use simplified language and suitable figures for ease to understand the contents. Although the authors have tried to touch on all the different aspects of oxidative stress in detail, the fact that it is a continuously growing field with updates coming every day, there might be some areas which might not be described in depth. This book is designed for students, young scientists to get acquainted with the redox biology. Overall, this book is a reference to understand the redox regulation of cellular signaling pathways involved in pathogenesis.

Phospholipases generate lipid signaling molecules through their hydrolytic action on phospholipids and are known to regulate function of a variety of cells under normal and diseased conditions. While several physiological, biochemical and molecular techniques have identified key players involved in different disease processes, phospholipases have also emerged as critical players in the pathogenesis of a number of different diseases including cancer and heart disease. In addition, phospholipases are also implicated in such conditions as brain disorder/injury, kidney and immune cell dysfunction.Phospholipases in Health and Disease is a compilation of review articles dedicated to the study of the field with respect to biochemical and molecular mechanisms of normal and abnormal cell function. The wide range of area covered here is of interest to basic research scientists, clinicians and graduate students, who are engaged in studying pathophysiological basis of a variety of diseases. Furthermore, this book highlights the potential of the different phospholipases as therapeutic targets as well as part of prevention strategies. Twenty three articles in this book are organized in four sections that are designed to emphasize the most characterized forms of the phospholipases in mammalian cells. The first section discusses general aspect of phospholipases. Section two covers the role and function of phospholipase A in different pathophysiological conditions. The third section is focussed on phospholipase C which is believed to play a central role in transmembrane signaling. The final section covers phospholipase D which is present in a variety of different cells. The book illustrates that the activation of phospholipases is of fundamental importance in signal transduction affecting cell function. Overall, this book discusses the diverse mechanisms of phospholipase mediated signal transduction in different pathophysiological conditions and raises the possibility of specific forms of phospholipases serving as novel targets for drug development.

This book comprises proceedings from the Third International Conference on Advances in Nutrition and Cancer, held in Naples in May 2012. This highly multidisciplinary meeting analyzed “nutrition and cancer” from different perspectives and on the basis of distinct and up-to-date experimental approaches. Knowledge on the relation between lifestyle, diet, and cancer is explored in a number of contributions, and the role of dietary intervention in cancer patients is discussed. Issues of vital interest to the research community, such as epidemiological and experimental oncology (genetics, epigenetics, and the mechanisms of action of natural compounds in the diet), receive detailed consideration. A further key topic is the emerging molecular technologies (the “omics”) that can cast light on the interplay between nutrition and human malignancies. Chapters take the form of reviews that include sections presenting expert opinions.

This book will be focused on mitochondria as very promising targets for anti-cancer drugs, yet to be fully exploited. It will contain chapters focused on aspects of basic research as well as on clinical relevance, which will be written by specialists in the field. That the role of mitochondria in human pathologies goes beyond the neoplastic diseases will be documented by a chapter of the role of mitochondria in Friedreich's ataxia.

This book synthesizes the major research advances in molecular, biochemical and translational aspects of aging and heart failure over the last four decades and addresses future directions in management and drug discovery. It presents clinical issues and molecular mechanisms related to heart failure, including the changing demographics in the aging population with heart failure; hypertension and prevention of diastolic heart failure in the aging population; polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions in the aging population with heart failure; changes in the heart that accompany advancing age from humans to molecules; aging-associated alterations in myocardial inflammation and fibrosis and aging-related changes in mitochondrial function and implications for heart failure therapy. The book succinctly summarizes the large volume of data on these key topics and highlights novel pathways that need to be explored. Featuring contributions from leading clinician-scientists, Aging and Heart Failure: Mechanisms and Management is an authoritative resource on the major clinical issues in heart failure therapy in the elderly for cardiologists, gerontologists and internists.

The second edition of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine spans three volumes, with major sections dedicated to specific organ systems. Each major section consists of separate chapters dedicated to reviewing the specific disease processes affecting each organ system. Each chapter concludes with a comprehensive list of references, with brief, concise remarks denoting references of ‘special interest'and ‘of interest'. Consequently, the books are unique in their comprehensive coverage of pediatric critical care and their ease of use and will be of value to those studying towards pediatric critical care examinations and those who are already qualified.

State of the art reviews by experts in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, microbiology/infectious diseases and pharmacology addressing the convergence of the immune system (neuroinflammation) and the loss of neurons (neurodegeneration). Many of the diseases that are discussed in the book are of epidemic proportion, e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, viral encephalitides and substance abuse. In addition to discussions of the involvement of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in these disorders, scientific reviews are presented on the cells and mediators that participate in defense of and damage to the nervous system. With rare exception, no or inadequate treatment exists for the diseases discussed in this book. An underlying premise of the book is that understanding of their shared pathogenic mechanisms will lead to improved therapies. Given the rapid evolution of the field of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, readers will find this book to be the most timely and authoritative reference on the subject of each of its chapters.

Few references have been published on the renal vascular system and its effect on the cardiovascular system as a whole. Clearly the kidney exerts a huge influence on the circulation and hypertension in particular, but there is a growing concentration on its function across many diseases. This book details the diagnosis, treatment and management of all renal vascular disease.

The book “STEM CELL THERAPY FOR ORGAN FAILURES” edited by Dr. S. Indumathi demonstrates the In Vitro and In vivo therapeutic strategies and applications of pre- and post-natal stem cells for treating the failures of various organ systems of our body in a wide perspective. It explores the past, present and the futuristic approach of the exciting field of stem cells and its intriguing properties involved in tissue repair and regeneration. The prime focus of this volume is to unravel the basic, advanced, therapeutic and translational approaches put-forth so far in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine at research, pre-clinical and clinical levels. Stem cells has ushered in widespread interest and exciting possibilities for cell based therapies, albeit failures do prevail and small uncontrolled phase I/II studies are only signals generating, rather than definite proof of concept thereby limiting its applicability in curative therapeutics. Despite certain initiatives and meticulous untiring efforts, bringing this basic bench side research into advanced transitional bedside remained a challenge. Thus, this book embarked upon the expanding researches in these areas that seem decisive in improvising regenerative medical therapeutics, thereby leading to further path-breaking studies that cure all health challenges facing mankind. Overall, this book reveals the imperativeness of various stem cell sources and its utility in curative therapeutics.

The term “Translational Research” reflects today's integration of basic research (“bench”) findings with the clinical practice of medicine, and in a wider scope the application of results from the individual patient (“bedside”) to entire populations for the improvement of public health. This book offers future researchers a stimulus in many aspects of cardiovascular research, so as to promote their interest in future fields of cardiovascular disease, diagnosis and treatment.Introduction to Translational Cardiovascular Research discusses the fundamental and important aspects of the topic. It describes the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, the beta adrenergic receptors and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, while covering genetic polymorphisms both generally and specifically as regards the vascular endothelium and the use of microRNAs. As such, this book will be relevant to young physicians, nurses and other scientists engaged in the clinical cardiovascular field who want to added research-oriented dimension to their efforts towards better understanding and practicing of medicine. It also aims to attract young basic researchers who want to develop a better comprehension of the organism as a whole, man or animal, that they are investigating.

In eukaryotes, lipid metabolism requires the function of peroxisomes. These multitasking organelles are also part of species-specific pathways such as the glyoxylate cycle in yeast and plants or the synthesis of ether lipid in mammals. Proteins required for the biogenesis of peroxisomes typically assemble in large molecular complexes, which participate in membrane formation, protein transport, peroxisome duplication and - inheritance during cell division. Peroxisomal function is essential for life. Mutations in PEX genes, encoding for biogenesis factors, are often associated with lethal disorders. The association of peroxisomes with other organelles suggests an extensive participation in organellar crosstalk. This book represents a state-of-the-art review in the field of peroxisome research encompassing the cell and molecular biology of peroxisome biogenesis and its diseases, the protein complexes involved in this process and the modern technologies applied to study them. The book is intended for graduate students, researchers and lecturers in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology with a biomedical background.

The rapidity of scientific progress over the last few years guarantees the utility of this new collection of state-of-the-art reviews on the immunology of aging, which is the result of extensive collaboration of more than sixty of the greatest thinkers and scholars in the field, in cooperation with a number of junior colleagues. The book summarizes current knowledge on the cellular and molecular aspects of the aging immune system and their clinical relevance, providing insights into the effects of the aging process on susceptibilities to those diseases most common among elders. The retrieval strategies used to slow down the decline in the immune system in the elderly are another subject detailed extensively. By providing a broad overview of immunosenescence and its consequences, as well as their potential modulation, this book will fill a gap in a timely manner. It will be of value to all immunologists, whether novice or experienced, as well as geriatricians and epidemiologists.

It is now well known that proteases are found everywhere, in viruses and bacteria as well as in all human, animal and plant cells, and play a role in a variety of biological functions ranging from digestion, fertilization, development to senescence and death. Under physiological conditions the ability of proteases is regulated by endogenous inhibitors. However, when the activity of proteases is not regulated appropriately, disease processes can result, as seen in Alzheimer's disease, cancer metastasis and tumor progression, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Thus it is evident that there is an absolute need for a tighter control of proteolytic activities in different cells and tissues.Aimed at graduate students and researchers with an interest in cellular proteolytic events, Role of Proteases in Cellular Dysfunctions is the second book on Proteases in this series. The book consists of three parts in specified topics based on current literatures for a better understanding for the readers with respect to their subject-wise interests. The first section of this book covers a brief idea about the neuronal disorders and the involvement of proteases such as calpains, caspases and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). The second section covers the deadly disease cancer and its relation to ubiquitin-proteasome system, MMPs and serine proteases. The last section is about the role of proteases such as calpains, MMPs and serine protease as well as urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in causing cardiovascular defects.

Für die 4. Auflage wurde das Standardwerk über Herzkrankheiten völlig neu bearbeitet und mit einem modernen Layout versehen. Der Inhalt wurde teilweise neu gegliedert, entsprechend der Entwicklung der Kardiologie sind insbesondere im Therapieteil neue Kapitel, z. B. über Antigoagulanzien, ACE-Hemmer, Fibrinolytika, Diuretika, Lipidsenker sowie über Interventionskathetertechniken hinzugekommen. Den Koronarerkrankungen werden in dieser Auflage drei Kapitel gewidmet, wobei nach Krankheitsbildern, akutem und chronischem Stadium unterschieden wurde. Durch Straffung insbesondere der Grundlagenkapitel konnte trotz der großen Menge an neuem Material der Gesamtumfang des Bandes beibehalten werden. Der Aspekt der Benutzerfreundlichkeit stand bei der Neubearbeitung im Vordergrund. Wie die vorherigen Auflagen ist dieses Buch zur umfassenden und praxisorientierten kardiologischen Fort- und Weiterbildung vor allem für Internisten und interessierte Allgemeinmediziner konzipiert.

Die neu überarbeitete Auflage dieses Standardwerkes der Kardiologie folgt dem erfolgreichen Konzept, die Herz-, Kreislauf- und Gefäßkrankheiten in enger Verbindung mit der gesamten inneren Medizin darzustellen. Klar formuliert und leicht verständlich beschreibt die Klinische Kardiologie die komplexen Themenbereiche der Diagnose, Therapie und Prävention. Die Neuauflage behandelt alle wichtigen neuen Diagnoseverfahren, konservative und innovative Techniken, neue pharmakologische Erkenntnisse und interventionelle Verfahren und wurde um vier Kapitel erweitert. Die praxisrelevante, klar strukturierte Darstellung klinischer Ergebnisse macht die Klinische Kardiologie zum idealen Buch für Internisten, Kardiologen und Ärzte in Weiterbildung auf dem Weg zum Facharzt für innere Medizin und Kardiologie.

This will serve primarily as a hardcover, library purchase with a short shelf life of 6 months and will also add to the exposure of other works by Jean-Louis Vincent, the Update in Intensive Care Medicine series, which was repackaged to suit the North American market. This book compiles the most recent, widespread developments of experimental and clinical research and practice in one comprehensive reference book. The chapters are written by well recognized experts in the field of intensive care and emergency medicine. It is addressed to everyone involved in internal medicine, anesthesia, surgery, pediatrics, intensive care and emergency medicine.

Presenting an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of PCOS and a paradigm for the clinical evaluation and management of the disorder, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is written in an easy to digest, concise format that, with bulleted key points introducing each chapter, is suitable for the trainee and the busy clinician. The breadth and depth of coverage of today's queries and controversies will be of particular interest to the specialist and researcher. An international group of leading experts addresses the varied etiologies of PCOS, comprehensively covering the contemporary treatment approaches and long-term implications of PCOS, a common yet poorly understood disorder. Chapters on treatment will be of particular relevance to the clinician and the trainee as they cover conventional therapies, lifestyle, and diet, as well as address emerging strategies such as the use of statins and surgery in PCOS management. Spanning the breadth of clinical presentations and morbidities related to the diagnosis of PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an exceptional resource for primary care providers, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and others involved in the care of these patients, and provides the essential tools to aid clinicians in initiating a timely diagnostic workup and appropriate interventions to address both the immediate and long-term sequelae related to PCOS.

The book deals with various clinical aspects of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) which is a potent source for oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is critical for pathogenesis of diseases and CYP2E1 is a major contributor for oxidative stress. Several clinical disorders are associated with changes in regulation of CYP2E1 and the consequent abnormalities which include alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic pancreatitis, carcinogenesis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, obesity, hepatitis C virus infection, reproductive organ toxicity, hepatocellular and cholestatic liver cirrhosis, inhibition of bone repair, cross-tolerance in smokers and people treated with nicotine, disorders of central nervous system, changes in metabolism of protoxicants in the circulatory system and susceptibility to human papillomavirus infection. Hence, CYP2E1 emerges as a new and potent player in aggravating injury and furthering disease complications.

Many physiological conditions such as host defense or aging and pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes are associated with the accumulation of high levels of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. This generates a condition called oxidative stress. Low levels of reactive oxygen species, however, which are continuously produced during aerobic metabolism, function as important signaling molecules, setting the metabolic pace of cells and regulating processes ranging from gene expression to apoptosis. For this book we would like to recruit the experts in the field of redox chemistry, bioinformatics and proteomics, redox signaling and oxidative stress biology to discuss how organisms achieve the appropriate redox balance, the mechanisms that lead to oxidative stress conditions and the physiological consequences that contribute to aging and disease.

Scientific advances over the past two decades have afforded unprecedented oppor­ tunities to understand the structure and function of receptors, receptor-ligand interactions, and receptor signaling. The extent ofprogress in this area is underscored by the recent Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology to Alfred Gilman and Martin Rodbell, both of whose work in understanding receptorlG-protein interactions has redefined the way in which we think of how hormones and neurochemicals exert their activity on cellular function. This book is replete with examples of current research approaches to help us better understand the cellular roles in which the renin-angiotensin system and the angiotensin receptors participate. Clearly, defining the structure of angiotensin receptor subtypes is an important first step in cJarifying the mechanisms by which these receptors take part in cellular function. However, the chapters within this book range far beyond structural studies and encompass research on tissue specific expression of the angiotensin receptor subtypes, the genetic regulation ofthese receptors, and the unique function ofvarious angiotensin subtypes in different organ systems, such as the brain, the reproductive system, adipose tissue, the heart, and the kidneys.

ACE-Hemmer sind mittlerweile ein unverzichtbarer Bestandteil der Hochdrucktherapie. Führende Kardiologen und klinische Pharmakologen erläutern Grundlage und therapeutische Prinzipien für die Nutzung des Angiotensin II Antagonismus in Klinik und Praxis.

The refined pathophysiologal understanding of the heart failure syndrome together with the surge of new technological advances led to innovative medical and interventional treatment strategies improving the outcome of heart failure patients. However the complex interplay between the clinical presentation and the array of the interventions requires a coordinated multidisciplinary “heart team” approach involving various specialists in the cardiovascular field including clinicians, interventionalists, surgeons and cardiac intensivists. In this book, opinion leaders will review of state-of-the-art management of heart failure with particular emphasis on burning clinical questions and challenges faced by the heart team. New medical and interventional therapies for chronic and acute heart failure are addressed by bridging bench to bedside translation in science and technology into practical clinical application and guidance.

Sphingolipids are lipid components of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells with an important function in signaling mechanisms in the cell. This book provides insight into the physiological and pathophysiological role of sphingolipids and in particular its derivative ceramide. The function of Sphingolipids in cell signaling with regard to infectious and lung diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders are described and treated in distinct parts. Together with Volume 215 from the same Editors, the collection represents a unique, comprehensive work on Sphingolipids, providing information on both: Sphingolipid basic biology as well as its important function in a (patho)physiological context. The book is written for scientists in pharmacology, biochemistry and cell biology with a focus on biomedical research as well as for clinicians in pharmacology, oncology, cardiology, neurology and infectious disease. ​

Sepsis und septischer Schock gehen auch heute noch trotz aller Fortschritte der Intensivmedizin mit einer äußerst hohen Mortalität einher. Auf der Basis eines verbesserten Verständnisses der Pathophysiologie dieses komplexen Krankheitsbildes haben sich in den letzten Jahren neue therapeutische Ansätze entwickelt. Dieses Buch enthält die Beiträge namhafter Grundlagenforscher und Kliniker aus Hygiene, Mikrobiologie, Infektologie, Physiologie, Chirurgie, innerer Medizin, Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin und gibt einen umfassenden Überblick über den derzeitigen Wissensstand zur Ätiologie, Pathophysiologie, Prävention und Therapie der Sepsis und ihrer Komplikationen.

Metabolic syndrome as an important risk factor for stroke, Alzheimer disease, and depression presents readers with cutting edge and comprehensive information on relationship among metabolic syndrome, stroke, Alzheimer disease, and depression. It is hoped that this monograph will be useful to postgraduate students, faculty, research scientists, pharmacologists, nutritionists, and physicians, who are curious about the molecular mechanisms that link metabolic syndrome with stroke, Alzheimer disease, and depression.

Written to satisfy a wide audience, from basic scientist to clinical researcher, this volume explores such varied concepts as: the influence of CBF in the pathotrajectory of TBI, modeling TBI as a means to understand underlying pathological states associated with brain injury victims, disrupted vasculature following head trauma and advanced imaging techniques, vasoreactive substances underlying disrupted blood flow, the role of age and sex on injury outcome, and the latest pre-clinical rationale for focusing on CBF and strategies to improve blood flow as a means to improve outcome in patients suffering the effects of TBI.

Research centering on blood flow in the heart continues to hold an important position, especially since a better understanding of the subject may help reduce the incidence of coronary arterial disease and heart attacks. This book summarizes recent advances in the field; it is the product of fruitful cooperation among international scientists who met in Japan in May, 1990 to discuss the regulation of coronary blood flow.

Recent progress in recombinant DNA technology and the availability of a number of nonpeptide subtype-specific receptor antagonists and of specific antibodies to components of prorenin-renin-angiotensin system (PRAS) have led to rapid advances in the under­ standing of the multifaceted role of angiotensin II, classically known as a peptide hormone of cardiovascular homeostasis. Accumulating evidence sug­ responsible for the regulation gests that, in addition to its role in salt and water metabolism, PRAS may control other physiological functions including neurosecretion, cellular proliferation, hypertrophy and/or differentiation, angiogenesis and gonadal function. At the same time, it is becoming evident that the specialized functions of endocrine glands are not only regulated by trophic hormones but also by locally produced paracrine/autocrine factors. The concept is emerging that tissue PRAS is one such locally active regulatory system. With more and more reproductive and endocrine organs being added to the list of tissues that contain a local tissue PRAS, questions are being raised by the reproductive biologists and endocrinologists as to the role of such systems in the tissues of their interest. On the other hand, the cardiovascular and renovascular physiologists are wondering about the relevance of PRAS in various peripheral tissues compared to those of the classical cardiovascular organs. It appeared, therefore, that the time was ripe for a meeting to consider a merger of interest in these two important but heretofore distinct areas of physiology.

This book contains conference presentations regarding the regulation of eicosanoid enzymes and, in particular, cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and phospholipases. The new field of isoprostanes is also represented.

This volume contains the proceedings of an International Symposium on `Second Messenger Systems - Molecular, Cellular and Behavioural Aspects', which was held at Tobago on June 16-17, 1994. The interaction of an extracellular agonist (First Messenger) with its plasma membrane receptor leads to the transmission of a signal across the cell membrane and results in the production and/or activation of other signalling molecules (Second Messengers). These Second Messengers control the action of many protein kinases and protein phosphatases and so lead to cellular responses. Although the biochemical basis of the transduction of signals in the main signalling systems in eukaryotic cells is probably largely known, intensified research is ongoing in the following areas: the discovery of specific substrates for many protein kinases, elucidation of the biological significance of the differential tissue expression and heterogeneity of many signalling proteins, and the unravelling of diverse interactions (such as signal potentiation, synergism, antagonism and neuronal co-transmission) between signalling systems. As knowledge from such studies accumulates, it is becoming clear that the `cross talk'interactions between signalling systems are important features of dynamic cell regulation. This volume is designed to summarize some aspects of the current work on various Second Messenger Systems and the integration of signals with respect to plasma membrane receptors. Second Messenger generation and degradation, protein kinase and phosphatase, cell cycle control, and cellular learning and memory.

Omnis cellula e cellula,'every cell from a cell,'was dogma to the 19th­ century cellular physiologist and the cornerstone of Virchow's Cellular­ pathologie.'Spread out a cell into a layer and you will find that, in ceasing to be a cell, it has ceased to act as such,'wrote the British 1 physiologist G. R. Lewes more than a century age.'The cell remains vital as long as its wall remains intact...'keeping its content'pure and clear'and thus preserving the'vital principle'within, echoed Claude 2 Bernard a few years later. The notion of the cell membrane as a pro­ tecting envelope held sway until it became clear that it could not account for the'coalescence'of poorly differentiated embryonic'vesicles'and for their transformation into'cell-like structures'capable of auto­ regulation and yet subject to what the grandfather of one of us defined as the'federal obligations imposed by the whole organism.,,3 A new concept was needed, and soon the membrane was described as a structure capable of uniting as well as separating adjacent cells. Morphologic evidence for this dual function was obtained several years later when the electron microscope revealed the existence of tight and gap junc­ tions which, acting as intercellular bonds and channels, allowed the cells to communicate with one another and thus coordinate their biologic activities.