Endothelins in Biology and Medicine


Book Description

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a peptide discovered in 1988, is one of the most potent contractors of vascular smooth muscle. Since their discovery, ETs have generated enormous interest in the scientific and pharmaceutical communities, prompting extensive research. This book addresses the latest findings regarding ETs-how they function, their effects, and characteristics. Divided into five sections, the book covers: endothelin receptors, endothelin synthesis and degradation, endothelin pathophysiology, ligand structure and activity relationships, and clinical studies. Pharmacologists, toxicologists, and pharmaceutical researchers will all benefit from this thorough review of current findings and future directions in ET research.




Endothelium and Cardiovascular Diseases


Book Description

Endothelium and Cardiovascular Diseases: Vascular Biology and Clinical Syndromes provides an in-depth examination of the role of endothelium and endothelial dysfunction in normal vascular function, and in a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes, from atherosclerosis, to cognitive disturbances and eclampsia. The endothelium is a major participant in the pathophysiology of diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and hypertension, and these entities are responsible for the largest part of cardiovascular mortality and morbidly. Over the last decade major new discoveries and concepts involving the endothelium have come to light. This important reference collects this data in an easy to reference resource. Written by known experts, and covering all aspects of endothelial function in health and disease, this reference represents an assembly of recent knowledge that is essential to both basic investigators and clinicians. - Provides a complete overview of endothelial function in health and diseases, along with an assessment of new information - Includes coverage of groundbreaking areas, including the artificial LDL particle, the development of a new anti-erectile dysfunction agent, a vaccine for atherosclerosis, coronary calcification associated with red wine, and the interplay of endoplasmic reticulum/oxidative stress - Explores the genetic features of endothelium and the interaction between basic knowledge and clinical syndromes




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.




Handbook of Hormones


Book Description

Handbook of Hormones: Comparative Endocrinology for Basic and Clinical Research collates fundamental information about the structure and function of hormones from basic biology to clinical use. The handbook offers a rapid way to obtain specific facts about the chemical and molecular characteristics of hormones, their receptors and signalling pathways, and the biological activities they regulate. The evolution of hormones and gene families is also covered both in the text and in online ancillaries. Users will find simple and visual ways to learn key molecular information. Chapters and online ancillary resources integrate additional sections, providing a comparative molecular, functional, and evolutionary consideration. - Provides the only single resource available with concise, yet informative descriptions of hormones in vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants - Presents hormones in groups according to their origin, so that readers can easily understand their inter-relation - Includes comparative information on the structures and functions of hormones enabling readers to understand both general and specific actions in and across species - Ancillary website hosts additional information, including sequence data, comparative data, figures, and tables




The ESC Textbook of Vascular Biology


Book Description

The ESC Textbook of Vascular Biology is a rich and clearly laid-out guide by leading European scientists providing comprehensive information on vascular physiology, disease, and research.




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.




Stellate Cells in Health and Disease


Book Description

Stellate Cells in Health and Disease is a comprehensive reference providing the most up-to-date knowledge and perspectives on the function of stellate cells affecting the liver and other organs. The text presents comprehensive coverage of their already established role in hepatic fibrosis along with the newer emerging evidence for stellate cell participation in the liver cell (hepatocyte) survival and regeneration, hepatic immunobiology, transplant tolerance, and liver cancer. Chapters describe both animal and human research and the relevance of findings from animal research to human pathophysiology, and also contain sections on future directions which will be of special interest to basic and clinical researchers working on liver fibrosis, hepatic biology, and pathobiology. - Presents coverage of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis with stellate cells as a target for therapy. - Shows stellate cells as a major participant in hepatic immunobiology, including transplantation immunology. - Key illustrations show the phenotypical changes in stellate cells in situ and tissue culture, their interactions with other cell types, signaling pathways and demonstrate the functions and roles of stellate cell in pathological processes.




Comprehensive Hypertension E-Book


Book Description

Here is today's most in-depth reference for any cardiologist, internist, or nephrologist interested in hypertension. Drawing from international experience in cardiology, physiology, and nephrology, Drs. Lip and Hall have assembled a group of section editors and contributors second to none. You'll find the long-term effects of primary and secondary hypertension and a lengthy section on hypertensions for special populations featured prominently. Prevention and treatment of hypertension are covered in detail, from lifestyle and diet issues to drug choice and delivery, and the section on comparison of guidelines is unique to this book. Find comprehensive coverage of hypertension including pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment all in one practical volume. See the complete systemic problems of hypertension at a glance with detailed, full-color illustrations of cellular and clinical manifestations. Simplify navigating the complexities of hypertension using algorithms for clinical exam and diagnosis. Get specific insight into prevention and treatment of hypertension in special populations. Go global with a comprehensive section on worldwide guidelines and the application of clinical material to local standards of practice.




Comparative Physiology, Natural Animal Models And Clinical Medicine: Insights Into Clinical Medicine From Animal Adaptations


Book Description

This book describes a novel and unique approach to the treatment of human diseases based on the study of natural animal models. A natural animal model is defined as an animal group or species that possesses a set of biochemical/physiological characteristics which are natural and adaptive for that animal, but are quite abnormal for humans. For example, how is it that birds can tolerate blood glucose concentrations which in humans are associated with diabetes. The natural animal model is living proof that a biological answer to this question is available. By studying natural animal models, we can gain valuable insights into the treatment of various human clinical disorders. Covering a wide range of disorders, this book describes in detail how medical scientists can take advantage of all the “research” that nature has already performed over billions of years in biological problem solving through extensive animal design testing and selection./a




The Vascular Endothelium I


Book Description

This wide ranging work provides a complete representation of the present state of knowledge of the vascular endothelium. The volume comprises 20 chapters by experts who have made significant contributions to research in the vascular endothelium. The text discusses the structure, development and function of the normal vascular endothelium, considers conditions that lead to the disruption of vascular physiology and provides a comprehensive description of pathologies and their treatment.