The Eicosanoids


Book Description

This comprehensive reference work, updated from the first edition, brings together the knowledge and expertise of contributors from around the world. It includes new topics such as prostaglandin synthetase enzyme, new synthetic eicosanoids, innovative analytical methods, the influence of cytokines in the regulation of synthesis and actions, newer eicosanoids that influence the cardiovascular system, and newly discovered roles in reproduction and interactions with nitric oxide. This book satisfies a surge of interest in prostaglandins—NSAIDS (e.g. aspirin) are the biggest selling drugs of all time, and the field has been refreshed by the advent of new types (selective COX-2 inhibitors, anti-leukotiene drugs).




Arachidonic Acid in Cell Signaling


Book Description

This book is about the arachidonic acid cascade, its biochemistry, its pharmacology, and its roles in signal transduction. Arachidonic acid may serve as an intracellular second messenger in many cell types, as well as precursor for biologically active molecules such as the eicosanoids (a family of oxygenated metabolites that may act as second messengers or as local mediators), and anandamide (an endogenous cannabinoid substance). Dysfunctions in the arachidonic acid cascade underlie a number of serious pathological conditions, making these biochemical pathways the target for drugs of clinical value.




Eicosanoids in Reproduction


Book Description

The purpose of this book is to provide comprehensive coverage and an update of the major roles of eicosanoids in reproduction. It presents considerable evidence of the importance of lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid metabolism in reproductive processes. This interesting volume embraces a multidisciplinary approach to research in reproduction (biochemistry, endocrinology, physiology, pharmacology, etc.) at all levels, from whole animal studies through organ, cellular, and molecular approaches. This one-of-a-kind work provides several clinically relevant chapters and places emphasis on the relevance to human reproduction, when applicable. This text is an excellent update for researchers and clinicians on the current state of knowledge of the role of eicosanoids in mechanisms critical for successful reproductive function. This informative, easy-to-read resource is also useful to all those with a more specific interest in obstetrics, gynecology, clinical endocrinology, and the study of fertility.




Military Strategies for Sustainment of Nutrition and Immune Function in the Field


Book Description

Every aspect of immune function and host defense is dependent upon a proper supply and balance of nutrients. Severe malnutrition can cause significant alteration in immune response, but even subclinical deficits may be associated with an impaired immune response, and an increased risk of infection. Infectious diseases have accounted for more off-duty days during major wars than combat wounds or nonbattle injuries. Combined stressors may reduce the normal ability of soldiers to resist pathogens, increase their susceptibility to biological warfare agents, and reduce the effectiveness of vaccines intended to protect them. There is also a concern with the inappropriate use of dietary supplements. This book, one of a series, examines the impact of various types of stressors and the role of specific dietary nutrients in maintaining immune function of military personnel in the field. It reviews the impact of compromised nutrition status on immune function; the interaction of health, exercise, and stress (both physical and psychological) in immune function; and the role of nutritional supplements and newer biotechnology methods reported to enhance immune function. The first part of the book contains the committee's workshop summary and evaluation of ongoing research by Army scientists on immune status in special forces troops, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The rest of the book contains papers contributed by workshop speakers, grouped under such broad topics as an introduction to what is known about immune function, the assessment of immune function, the effect of nutrition, and the relation between the many and varied stresses encountered by military personnel and their effect on health.




Lipids in Health and Disease


Book Description

Lipids are functionally versatile molecules. They have evolved from relatively simple hydrocarbons that serve as depot storages of metabolites and barriers to the permeation of solutes into complex compounds that perform a variety of signalling functions in higher organisms. This volume is devoted to the polar lipids and their constituents. We have omitted the neutral lipids like fats and oils because their function is generally to act as deposits of metabolizable substrates. The sterols are also outside the scope of the present volume and the reader is referred to volume 28 of this series which is the subject of cholesterol. The polar lipids are comprised of fatty acids attached to either glycerol or sphingosine. The fatty acids themselves constitute an important reservoir of substrates for conversion into families of signalling and modulating molecules including the eicosanoids amongst which are the prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leucotrienes. The way fatty acid metabolism is regulated in the liver and how fatty acids are desaturated are subjects considered in the first part of this volume. This section also deals with the modulation of protein function and inflammation by unsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives. New insights into the role of fatty acid synthesis and eicosenoid function in tumour progression and metastasis are presented.




Five-Lipoxygenase Products in Asthma


Book Description

Five-Lipoxygenase Products in Asthma offers an authoritative examination of the biochemistry, basic pharmacology, and clinical pharmacology of the leukotrienes with special emphasis on their role in asthma. A critical reference for every asthma researcher and clinician, Five-Lipoxygenase Products in Asthma highlights agents and products




Fatty Acids in Foods and their Health Implications,Third Edition


Book Description

Since the publication of the bestselling second edition, mounting research into fatty acids reveals new and more defined links between the consumption of dietary fats and their biological health effects. Whether consuming omega-3 to prevent heart disease or avoiding trans fats to preserve heart health, it is more and more clear that not only the quantity but the type of fatty acid plays an important role in the etiology of the most common degenerative diseases. Keeping abreast of the mechanisms by which fatty acids exert their biological effects is crucial to unraveling the pathogenesis of a number of debilitating chronic disorders and can contribute to the development of effective preventive measures. Thoroughly revised to reflect the most resent research findings, Fatty Acids in Foods and their Health Implications, Third Edition retains the highly detailed, authoritative quality of the previous editions to present the current knowledge of fatty acids in food and food products and reveal diverse health implications. This edition includes eight entirely new chapters covering fatty acids in fermented foods, the effects of heating and frying on oils, the significance of dietary ?-linolenate in biological systems and inflammation, biological effects of conjugated linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, and the role of fatty acids in food intake and energy homeostasis, as well as cognition, behavior, brain development, and mood disease. Several chapters underwent complete rewrites in light of new research on fatty acids in meat, meat products, and milk fat; fatty acid metabolism; eicosanoids; fatty acids and aging; and fatty acids and visual dysfunction. The most complete resource available on fatty acids and their biological effects, Fatty Acids in Foods and their Health Implications, Third Edition provides state-of-the-science information from all corners of nutritional and biomedical research.




Selective COX-2 Inhibitors


Book Description

The mainstay of therapy for rheumatoid disease is the non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), despite their inherent gastrointestinal toxicity and ability to cause renal damage in susceptible patients. The theory that the beneficial and toxic effects of NSAIDs stem from a reduction in prostanoid production through inhibition of cyclooxygenase implied that particular toxicities were inevitable with NSAIDs and would always be correlated with efficacy. However, over the years, it became apparent that at therapeutic doses, some NSAIDs had greater toxic side-effects than others, a fact not explained by the general theory. A significant clarification arose from the discovery that there are two distinct isoforms of COX, a constitutive enzyme (COX-I) responsible for the production of prostanoids necessary for platelet aggregation and protection of the gastric mucosa and kidney; and an inducible enzyme (COX-2) that is newly synthesized at sites of tissue damage and produces prostaglandins that manifest pathological effects. It became clear that different NSAIDs had greater or lesser effects on COX-I when used in therapeutic doses, explaining the variation in side-effects. ' The elucidation of the crystal structure of these different enzymes and the skills of medicinal chemists have led to the synthesis of new chemicals with a selectivity for the inducible enzyme, and thus with therapeutic efficacy without those toxic effects result ing from inhibition of the constitutive enzyme.




Physician's Guide to the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up of Inherited Metabolic Diseases


Book Description

This book, combining and updating two previous editions, is a unique source of information on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of metabolic diseases. The clinical and laboratory data characteristic of rare metabolic conditions can be bewildering for both clinicians and laboratory personnel. Reference laboratory data are scattered, and clinical descriptions may be obscure. The Physician’s Guide documents the features of more than five hundred conditions, grouped according to type of disorder, organ system affected (e.g. liver, kidney, etc) or phenotype (e.g. neurological, hepatic, etc). Relevant clinical findings are provided and pathological values for diagnostic metabolites highlighted. Guidance on appropriate biochemical genetic testing is provided. Established experimental therapeutic protocols are described, with recommendations on follow-up and monitoring. The authors are acknowledged experts, and the book will be a valuable desk reference for all who deal with inherited metabolic diseases.




Handbook of Eicosanoids (1987)


Book Description

Building upon the extensive compilation of biochemical data featured in Volume I of the Handbook of Eicosanoids, the new Volume II describes the past, present, and potential future impact of eicosanoid research on new drug development. The reader is taken from a historical perspective through state-of-the-art basic concepts to extensive tabulation of molecular structures of compounds known to act via the eicosanoid system. Much emphasis is given to recent breakthroughs in the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and the development of receptor antagonists for prostaglandins and leukotrienes. There is also an introductory chapter that proposes areas that require further investigation and novel approaches using existing technology. This handbook will thus be invaluable for medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and all those involved in basic research in the eicosanoid area. In addition, many parts of this handbook are suitable for use by university lecturers and students. There are 20 figures and 44 extensive tables as well as a bibliography containing more than 2,000 references that complement the text.