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Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors which anchor cells to different extracellular matrix proteins or act as cell-cell receptors. They play pivotal roles not only across a wide range of physiological processes including tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, and regulation of cell growth, but also in numerous pathological conditions such as autoimmunity, infectious disease, and carcinogenesis. This book aims to provide readers a summary of the most important integrins and their respective biological functions. Readers will learn about knockout- and animal models to study the functionality of key collagen-, laminin-, and nephronectin-binding integrins. Additionally, the role of integrins in pathological tissue remodeling in joints and in developing and diseased cardiac tissue are discussed. Reviews of the current knowledge of the role of integrins in tissue and tumor fibrosis, angiogenesis and tumor progression are an important part of this work. Finally, the bookdiscusses integrins in the context of the immune system, how to target integrin-ligand interactions with antibodies, and the role of integrins as receptors for bacterial and viral cell invasion. Both experienced researchers and clinicians, as well as PhD students who wish to study the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules will find “Integrins in Health and Disease - Key Effectors of Cell-Matrix and Cell-Cell Interactions” authoritative, easily accessible, and vastly informative.The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

This book provides an essential overview of the role of phosphoinositide-3-phosphate kinase (PI3K) isoforms in modulating the function of immune system cells and their involvement in disease.PI3K is a family of kinases involved in basic cellular processes such as proliferation, migration and cell death. Recent work has highlighted the multiple roles of PI3K classes and subunits and their involvement in the immune response to the body's own and foreign antigens and diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. This book offers a detailed introduction to the biology of the three PI3K classes, followed by an extensive discussion of the diverse roles of AKT and PI3K isoforms in immune cells. Based on this knowledge, it subsequently explains in more detail how specific isoforms are connected to immune-mediated diseases. The book concludes by highlighting the latest advances in the production of isoform-specific inhibitors and their use in various human diseases.This book is intended as a reference guide for students and researchers interested in the multifaceted aspects of PI3K biology.

This book provides a concise yet comprehensive review of the morphological, biochemical, electrical, mechanical, and metabolic properties of vascular smooth muscle, the regulation of vascular activities and the intracellular signaling involved. It particularly focuses on newly identified vasoactive agents, enzymes and transduction mechanisms. It also discusses the latest findings in the regulation of cerebral, coronary and pulmonary circulation as well as vascular activity under hypoxia and ageing. The second edition intends to update the contents of the first edition with the latest achievements in the regulation of vascular activities from biochemical, structural, genetic, physiological, and pharmacological aspects. In addition, two new chapters related to microRNA and extracellular vesicles have been added to reflect their newly discovered important roles in vascular activities. The contraction and dilatation activities of vasculature are of fundamental importancefor maintaining circulation homeostasis and adapting to physiological changes. Over the last four decades, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the biochemical, structural, genetic, physiological, and pharmacological aspects of vascular activity regulation, and these insights into the responsiveness of blood vessels under normal and pathophysiological conditions help to provide valuable weapons in the fight vascular diseases. The book is of interest to researchers and graduate students, both in basic research and in clinic settings, in the field of vascular biology.

This open access book is supported by the European Atherosclerosis Society Association (EAS). This follow-up edition of the well-received Handbook volume'Atherosclerosis: Diet and Drugs'reflects the state-of-the-art and most recent developments in atherosclerosis research. Outstanding international experts give a comprehensive overview of the field covering topics, such as improving the treatment focusing on established targets, novel drug developments addressing pre-defined targets, hypothesis-based and hypothesis-free approaches to unravel novel targets.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the most important neurochemicals and approaches everything from the neurochemical's perspective. It attempts to integrate the biochemical pathways of synthesis and metabolism of these neurochemicals with the disease states and point out the avenues of diagnostic testing and therapeutic intervention. Each chapter focuses on a specific neurochemical and provides a brief history, the biochemical profile, metabolism, physiological functions, and the clinical aspects. The clinical part of each chapter includes a discussion on disease states with either increased or reduced activity of the neurochemical and either activation or inhibition of the relevant receptors. This book is targeted toward practitioners and students of neuroscience and is written to emphasize the importance of these neurochemicals in the brain. With this emphasis on background neurochemical processes, the readers will be pointed towards logical diagnostic studies, laboratory investigations, and therapies based on the neurochemical dysfunction that underlies various disease states.

This extensively revised third edition provides a practically applicable guide to the pathophysiology, assessment and management of vascular disorders encountered in vascular surgical practice. It features detailed information on the latest developments in the pathophysiology of conditions including atherosclerosis, multi-organ failure, limb compartment syndromes and Raynaud's phenomenon in a clear easy to digest format. Disorders such as reperfusion injuries, vasculitides, and aortic dissection are covered. Furthermore, key topics in vascular and endovascular practice such as radiation biology and radiation safety are also detailed. Each chapter contains a set of learning objectives and key references, enabling the reader to quickly identify key points.Mechanisms of Vascular Disease: A Textbook for Vascular Specialists comprehensively covers a variety of common and unusual pathophysiologies encountered in vascular surgery, and is an ideal resource for both the trainee, and practicing clinical vascular surgeon seeking an up-to-date resource on the topic.

This well-structured textbook offers essential knowledge on the vascular system. The reader will learn the properties, basic cellular mechanisms and development of the different parts of the vascular system (including the heart), gain knowledge on vascular and related diseases, and will be made familiar with common and most current methods and techniques applied to analyze the vascular system in patients, in animal models, and ex vivo. This book is based on a PhD Course for students from various bioscientific backgrounds given at the Medical University of Vienna, and it will be a valuable resource for Master´s Students in vascular biology and biomedicine in general and a helpful tool for young researchers world-wide wishing to gain or refresh their knowledge in this field.

This book is designed to focus on the role of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) in health and disease. This peptide, originally discovered in the 1980s as a sensory neuropeptide with cardiovascular effects, is now known to play a distinct role in the pain processing of migraine. The various chapters address the origin, localization and function of CGRP and its receptor in the peripheral nervous system, in the cardiovascular system, and in other tissues and organs. Further attention is paid to the drug discovery pathway where recent findings show the beneficial effect of small molecule antagonists of the CGRP receptors for the relief of the migraine attack and of monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or the CGRP receptor for migraine prevention.

This book offers a thorough, clinically oriented review of hemostasis and its impact on the practice of dentistry. Readers will gain a sound understanding of the pathophysiology of hemostasis and the pharmacology of antithrombotic and prothrombotic medications. Perioperative dental management strategies of value in patients with different congenital and acquired disorders of hemostasis are carefully explained, and the role of surgical techniques and local and topical agents in helping to minimize and control bleeding is described. Helpful instruction is also provided on the indications for antithrombotic medications and the management of patients receiving such therapy, including the risks of altering medications. As the number of available oral antithrombotic agents continues to increase, dentists will encounter significantly more patients receiving treatments that affect hemostasis. In presenting comprehensive, up-to-date information on hemostasis, hemostatic disorders, antithrombotic therapy, and safe dental management, this book will serve as a rich source of information and a useful guide for practitioners and students alike.

This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the art summary of platelet rich plasmas (PRPs) in the field of regenerative medicine. The book begins with an overview of the basic science behind PRP, describing the role of platelets and growth factors followed by the most important biological effects expected from the use of PRPs. Platelet Rich Plasma in Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery includes numerous contributions detailing the current use of PRPs in clinical practice. From the origins in oral and maxillofacial surgery, to the latest advances in orthopaedics and sports medicine including the use of Platelet Rich Growth Factors (PRGF) in muscle, bone, tendon, ligament and nerve injuries, this book provides a wide scope of the topic. The volume concludes with chapters from experts in biology, orthopaedics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, where the convergence of expertise is leading to unprecedented insights into how to minutely control the invivo fate and function of PRGF. This book will provide a useful resource for physicians and researchers interested in learning more about this rapidly growing area of biomedical treatment.

This book reviews current science and applications in fields including thrombosis and hemostasis, signal transduction, and non-thrombotic conditions such as inflammation, allergy and tumor metastasis. It is a detailed, up-to-date, highly referenced text for clinical scientists and physicians, including recent developments in this rapidly expanding field. More than a scientific resource, this is also an authoritative reference and guide to the diagnosis.

The book depicts the various roles of platelets in a variety of cardio-metabolic diseases. Traditional and non-traditional platelet functions are described in detail in atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and other vascular pathologies. Particular focus is put on platelets as a link between haemostasis and inflammation contributing to both. Last but not least the books links the most recent advances in basic sciences with promising novel therapeutic applications and first results of clinical trials. The book is written for biomedical scientists in the sub disciplines vascular biology, biochemistry and immunology; and it as well will be of interest and value for academic physicians like cardiologists, hematologists, general internists and vascular surgeons.

This book provides a concise yet comprehensive review of the morphological, biochemical, electrical, mechanical, and metabolic properties of vascular smooth muscle, the regulation of vascular activities and the intracellular signaling involved. It particularly focuses on recently identified vasoactive agents, enzymes and transduction mechanisms. It also discusses the latest findings in the regulation of cerebral, coronary and pulmonary circulation as well as vascular activity under hypoxia and ageing. The contraction and dilatation activities of vasculature are of fundamental importance for maintaining circulation homeostasis and adapting physiological changes. Over the last four decades, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the biochemical, structural, genetic, physiological, and pharmacological aspects of vascular activity regulation, and these insights into the responsiveness of blood vessels under normal and pathophysiological conditions help to provide valuable weapons in the fight vascular diseases. The book is of interest to researchers and graduate students, both in basic research and in clinic settings, in the field of vascular biology.

Calcium entry pathways in non-excitable cells presents a concise synthesis of thoughtfully selected topics covering from the different calcium entry mechanisms in non-excitable cells to the cellular microdomains and organelles regulating the calcium entry process. Particular attention is given to the fascinating group of ion channels involved in different calcium entry pathways as well as the emerging role of these channels in human disease. Calcium entry is an essential mechanism for cellular function in non-excitable cells. In general, two main calcium entry pathways exist in non-excitable cells: one pathway, named store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) requires store depletion and the second pathway is regulated by receptor occupation, but independently on calcium store depletion. The search for the molecular components of calcium entry has identified the stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), as the calcium sensor of the intracellular calcium stores, and Orai as well as TRP channelsas the calcium-permeable channels located in the plasma membrane. The location, interactions and function of these channels are finely regulated by a number of scaffolding proteins, membrane microdomains and cellular organelles that fine tune the amount of calcium entering the cell. Cutting-edge and user-friendly, this volume presents relevant background information, critical analysis of the current observations and directions for future research. The book is intended for basic scientists specializing in cellular biology or ion transport, as well as for biomedical researchers.

This book gives a comprehensive insight into platelet biogenesis, platelet signal transduction, involvement of platelets in disease, the use of diverse animal models for platelet research and future perspectives in regard to platelet production and gene therapy. Being written by international experts, the book is a concise state-of-the art work in the field of platelet biogenesis, biology and research. It represents an indispensable tool for research scientists in biomedicine, vascular biology, hematopoiesis and hemostasis and specifically for scientists in platelet research, as well as for clinicians in the field of hematology and transfusion medicine.​

Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Guide to Pathogenesis and Treatment comprehensively reviews the understanding of a disorder that continues to challenge primary care clinicians and specialists alike. In the last decade, there have been important advances not only in understanding the pathophysiology of Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP), but also in developing diagnostic methods and effective drug and non-drug therapies. Thoroughly discussing the various manifestations of RP, including childhood RP, RP secondary to connective tissue disease, and a variety of other associated disorders that include vascular perturbation that mimics RP, this title provides a wealth of new information available on normal and abnormal thermoregulation and helps physicians identify the best therapeutic approaches to treating RP. The work offers differential diagnosis options, reviews potential causes such as autoimmune disease, industrial trauma, drugs, and metabolic causes and provides clear recommendations for therapy. Engaging readers with case vignettes and a plethora of visual aids, Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Guide to Pathogenesis and Treatment is a state-of-the-art, authoritative reference and invaluable contribution to the literature that will be of interest to physicians, patients, and individuals dealing with these disease processes.