Leukotrienes as Mediators of Asthma and Inflammation


Book Description

This volume presents the work of distinguished investigators who have conducted major studies on the role of eicosanoids in inflammation. The book provides an informative appraisal of the current state of the art in leukotriene and inflammation research, integrating new basic science concepts and clinical findings. The primary focus of the book is on the evidence that leukotrienes represent a group of mediators that contribute significantly to the pathobiology of asthma and play a role in other inflammatory disorders. The information presented in this volume is of vital importance to pharmacologists, biochemists, and physiologists, as well as to clinicians treating patients with asthma and other inflammatory diseases.




Cooperation of Liver Cells in Health and Disease


Book Description

It is only during the last decade that the functions of sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, pit cells and other intrahepatic lymphocytes have been better understood. The development of methods for isolation and co-culturing various types of liver cells has established that they communicate and cooperate via secretion of various intercellular mediators. This monograph summarizes multiple data that suggest the important role of cellular cross-talk for the functions of both normal and diseased liver. Special features of the book include concise presentation of the majority of detailed data in 19 tables. Original schemes allow for the clear illustration of complicated intercellular relationships. This is the first ever presentation of the newly emerging field of liver biology, which is important for hepatic function in health and disease and opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.




Leukotrienes as Mediators of Asthma and Inflammation


Book Description

This volume presents the work of distinguished investigators who have conducted major studies on the role of eicosanoids in inflammation. The book provides an informative appraisal of the current state of the art in leukotriene and inflammation research, integrating new basic science concepts and clinical findings. The primary focus of the book is on the evidence that leukotrienes represent a group of mediators that contribute significantly to the pathobiology of asthma and play a role in other inflammatory disorders. The information presented in this volume is of vital importance to pharmacologists, biochemists, and physiologists, as well as to clinicians treating patients with asthma and other inflammatory diseases.







Inflammatory Mechanisms in Asthma


Book Description

This timely volume brings together the latest basic and clinical insights on the cellular and mediator mechanisms involved in the induction and persistence of airway dysfunction of asthma by over 90 experts in the field-paving the way for developing novel and more effective antiinflammatory therapeutic agents and strategies. Furnishing a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the expanding and interrelated components underlying asthma pathogenesis, Inflammatory Mechanisms in Asthma describes how evidence on airway inflammation is obtained with invasive and noninvasive procedures, such as bronchoalveolar lavage and sputum analysis reviews the complex interactions of inflammatory cells that contribute to chronic inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity, including eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and macrophages considers mast cells, cytokines, neural factors, leukotrienes, kinins, and other mediators that regulate the development, establishment, or resolution of asthma exacerbations presents new information suggesting that airway changes in asthma can lead to remodeling or airway fibrosis and more! Enhanced with over 4700 references, tables, drawings, and photographs, this compelling investigation into the pathophysiology of asthma is an indispensable resource for pulmonologists, physiologists, immunologists, allergists, epidemiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.




Leukotrienes


Book Description

In the two decades since the elusive "slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis" (SRS-A) was identified as a product of the action of the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme on arachidonic acid, it has been well established that the leukotrienes are key mediators of both alIergy and inflammation. Their release by alIergen or other challenge has been demonstrated in the lungs of asthmatic subjects, and measurement of urinary leukotriene concentrations in such patients has been shown to be a valuable, non invasive indicator. Significant progress has been made towards the characterization of the leukotriene receptor subtypes, exemplified by the cloning of the LTB4 receptor earlier this year. Coupled with this there has been a continued elucidation of signal transduction mechanisms underlying receptor activation. Consequent upon these advances has been the development of potent antagonists of the CysLT receptor, J and both these and inhibitors of leukotriene biosynthesis have entered clinical practice in the therapy of asthma. In this clinical setting antagonists of the CysLTJ receptor have been shown to be an effective therapy in chronic asthmatics, against antigen- and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and in aspirin-intolerant asthmatics. The advent of this new class of agents promises to change the way in which asthmatic patients are currently treated.







Eicosanoids in Inflammatory Conditions of the Lung, Skin and Joints


Book Description

The original series, Advances in Prostaglandin Research, edited by Sultan M. M. Karim, was published by MTP Press in three volumes in 1975 and 1976. A glance at those books illustrates the progress that has been made since then. The thromboxanes were mentioned twice (first publication 1975) and prostacyclin not once (first publication 1976); leukotrienes were only on the horizon. The amazing generation of research data in the last 10-15 years has given new, broad insights into many areas, including asthma, inflammation, renal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases and in reproduction, and has led in some instances to real clinical benefit. This series, Advances in Eicosanoid Research, reflects the current understanding of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. The aim is to provide an introductory background to each topic and the most up-to-date information available. Although each book stands alone, the eicosanoids cut across many boundaries in their basic actions; selected chapters from each book in the series will provide illuminating and productive information for all readers which will advance their education and research. In the production of this series, I must acknowledge with pleasure my collaboration with editors and authors and the patient endeavours of Dr Michael Brewis and the staff at MTP Press.







Asthma


Book Description

Asthma is a prevalent disease in all age groups that results from different pathogenic mechanisms, cells, and mediators engaged in innumerous clinical phenotypes and endotypes. This book exhaustively and didactically explores the biological expression of numerous cells and mediators involved in bronchial inflammation. The information provided aims at identifying the diversity and complexity of the interrelationships between the different players, drawing attention to critical mechanisms in asthma. It also highlights the requirement of new tools to identify strong biomarkers absolutely critical for managing asthma.