Mechanisms of Vascular Disease


Book Description

New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.




Prostacyclin and Its Stable Analogue, Iloprost


Book Description

Ten years after the discovery of prostacyclin, our knowledge of its biochemical mode of action, pharmacological properties, pathophysiological significance and therapeutic applications is ever expanding. Prostacyclin is both complex and unique as demonstrated by its unusual feature of being chemically and meta bolically unstable when compared to other prostanoids and known amine or peptide mediators. Although physiologically essential, the chemical instability of prostacyclin poses a serious drawback in laboratory and clinical studies. It is one of the genuine objectives of pharmaceutical research to supply synthetic compounds which overcome the inherent drawbacks - considering investigational and therapeutic use - of endogenous compounds. Whereas metabolic instability in certain cases could be of advantage, chemical instability definitely is not. With Iloprost, a molecule has been designed which - according to all data so far available - pertains high receptor affinity, metabolic instability (clinically this equates with a fine control of Iloprost's effects) while chemical stability has been achieved. By virtue of these characteristics Iloprost can be considered as one step towards specific interaction within the arachidonic acid cascade, namely the prostacyclin receptor. The aim of the symposium was to provide a critical experimental appraisal concerning the biochemical mode of action and pharmacological properties of prostacyclin and Iloprost.




How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease


Book Description

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.




Platelets and Atherosclerosis


Book Description

Most patients with cerebrovascular diseases are treated with antiplatelet drugs. Basic thromosis research showed that platelets are an important factor in the pathogenesis of ar- therosclerosis and its complications, but other compounds as macrophages and vessel wall factors are also involved in this process. The aim of this volume is to connect labora- tory findings with clinical applications.







Heart Failure


Book Description

Using an evidence-based approach, the authors present a detailed overview of the syndrome of heart failure. They examine the causes, pathophysiology, investigation, diagnosis, and treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) with emphasis on recently-published studies. Chapters focus on antiarrhythmic and antithrombotic therapy, beta blockers and inotropes, and other vasodilators such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers. The book is fully illustrated throughout with color photographs and radiographic, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram images. It will be of interest to cardiologists and general physicians in training, general practitioners, cardiac technicians and nurses, and medical students.




The Non-Thrombotic Role of Platelets in Health and Disease


Book Description

Platelets play a key role in thrombosis and haemostasis. However recent evidence clearly demonstrates that the functional role of platelets extends to many other processes in the body. With an internationally recognised list of contributing authors, The Non-Thrombotic Role of Platelets in Health and Disease, is a unique and definitive source of state-of-the-art knowledge about the additional role of platelets outside thrombosis and haemostasis. The intended audience for The Non-Thrombotic Role of Platelets in Health and Disease includes platelet biologists, microbiologists, immunologists, haematologists, oncologists, respiratory physicians, cardiologists, neurobiologists, tissue engineers, as well as students and fellows in these areas.




Nutraceuticals and Human Blood Platelet Function


Book Description

A comprehensive review of the impact of dietary nutraceuticals on platelet function and its relationship to cardiovascular disease Nutraceuticals and Human Blood Platelet Function offers a summary of the most current evidence on the effects of anti-platelet factors isolated mainly from food and natural sources, their structure function relationship, bioavailability, mechanisms of actions, and also information on human trials data. The author—a noted expert in the field— explores platelet function and their roles in development of CVD, functional foods and bioactive compounds in CVD risk factors. The author highlights platelets, their mechanisms of actions, data from epidemiological studies, structure-function relationship clinical trial data, ex vivo and in vitro data. This important resource will focus primarily on human studies and emphasize functional and physiological implications of the nutritional impact on platelet function and CVD that could be an important approach to highlight the concept of preventive CVD nutrition. An authoritative text, Nutraceuticals and Human Blood Platelet Function: Offers a unique resource that connects nutrition with platelet function and its impact on cardiovascular disease Contains an evidenced-based approach, including data from human and animal clinical studies Reveals the impact of bioactive compounds and their effect on platelets Presents a text that is authored by an expert with vast experience in the field of nutrition and platelet function Written for professionals, academics, researchers, and students associated in the area of nutrition, Nutraceuticals and Human Blood Platelet Function offers a review of the most current research on the effects of platelet function and their roles in development of CVD, functional foods and bioactive compounds in CVD risk factors.




The Endothelium


Book Description

The endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells, constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system, and therefore is in direct contact with the blood/lymph and the circulating cells. The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone, a major actor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and an endocrine organ. Endothelial cells controls vascular tone, and thereby blood flow, by synthesizing and releasing relaxing and contracting factors such as nitric oxide, metabolites of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 pathways, various peptides (endothelin, urotensin, CNP, adrenomedullin, etc.), adenosine, purines, reactive oxygen species and so on. Additionally, endothelial ectoenzymes are required steps in the generation of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II. An endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or the release of these various endothelial factors may explain the initiation of cardiovascular pathologies (from hypertension to atherosclerosis) or their development and perpetuation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells / Calcium Signaling in Vascular Cells and Cell-to-Cell Communications / Endothelium-Dependent Regulation of Vascular Tone / Conclusion / References




Vascular Biology of the Placenta


Book Description

The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, thereby allowing nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. Proper vascular development in the placenta is fundamental to ensuring a healthy fetus and successful pregnancy. This book provides an up-to-date summary and synthesis of knowledge regarding placental vascular biology and discusses the relevance of this vascular bed to the functions of the human placenta.