The Adipose Organ


Book Description




Obesity and Diabetes


Book Description

This timely and clinically oriented book uniquely addresses the entire spectrum of treatment for severe obesity and diabetes. It thoroughly examines all aspects from robotic surgery to cell therapy, from the latest antidiabetic drugs to endoscopic procedures and devices, from appetite-inhibiting signals and nutrients to gastric arterial embolization. It offers objective and authoritative information for practicing professionals; not only are successful interventions discussed and updated, but cutting-edge and experimental pathways are also anticipated. Obesity is the foremost nutritional challenge worldwide. Its companion is type-2 diabetes, the most prevalent metabolic disease. Together they represent the diabesity epidemic, which is draining resources, overwhelming healthcare facilities, and impacting life expectancy and quality of life everywhere. No country has been spared, and most medical specialties have been affected. Many books focus on the surgical options for obesity and diabetes, namely bariatric and metabolic operations. Information on the clinical and pharmacological treatment is also available, conveyed by standard texts on internal medicine and endocrinology. Yet endoscopic maneuvers and prostheses, cell therapy for diabetes, and other innovative approaches are hard to come by, as conventional texts overlook such therapies. This timely publication bridges the gaps between all different therapeutic options, also covering advances in the conservative, surgical and parasurgical domains. This book will appeal to seasoned specialists, students and healthcare professionals in training alike.




Type 2 Diabetes


Book Description

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic high blood glucose levels. Of the various types of diabetes, type 2 diabetes is increasing in prevalence due to obesity, aging, sedentarism, and other factors. This book presents a novel approach to preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Chapters cover such topics as diagnosis, pathogenesis, management, lifestyle and nutritional intervention, and systems to support early diagnosis and prevention of prediabetes.




Cutaneous Neuroimmunomodulation


Book Description

This volume explores the possible functional significance of proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides and their receptor expression in human skin. It particularly focuses on the modulation of skin immune and stress responses, and in the pathogenesis of several important skin diseases with a recognized neuroimmunologic component, such as atopic eczema, contact allergy, uticaria, and psoriasis.




Adhesion G Protein-coupled Receptors


Book Description

Latest research on Adhesion GPCRs has unearthed surprising revelations about the events that govern the signal transduction of these receptor molecules and the cellular and organ requirements for these signals. Unexpected and unprecedented findings suggest that Adhesion GPCRs constitute a group of receptors that sense mechanical stimuli and transcode them into metabotropic signals through the action of a novel activation paradigm. Interdisciplinary efforts transcending many areas of biomedical research including pharmacology, physiology, genetics, cell biology, structural biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics were necessary to unveil these fundamental properties. The scientific leaders in the field that carried this research effort have teamed up here to provide a comprehensive overview of our current understanding, how Adhesion GPCRs signal and how these receptors shape organ structure and function.




The Diabetes Textbook


Book Description

Diabetes has become a worldwide health problem, the global estimated prevalence approaches ten percent and the burden of this disease in terms of morbidity and mortality is unprecedented. The advances acquired through the knowledge of the mechanisms of the disease and the variety of therapeutic approaches contrast with the inability of private and public health systems in underdeveloped and even developed countries to achieve the goals of treatment. This paradox has been described in many sources: the surge of scientific advances contrast with an unprecedented amount of human suffering. Thus, a patient centered and an evidence based approach with the capacity to produce measurable clinical and economic outcomes is required. The purpose of this textbook is multiple: to offer a comprehensive resource covering all aspects of outpatient management; to address diabetes as a health problem from an epidemiological, economic and clinical perspective; to discuss the role of social determinants of health on the worldwide increase in diabetes; to highlight the challenges and obstacles in providing adequate care; and to outline a multidisciplinary approach to management in which medical visits retain their importance as part of a team comprising the patient, his or her family and a multidisciplinary group of health professionals who are able to move beyond the traditional approach of diabetes as a disease and greatly improve outcomes.




Metformin: Beyond Diabetes


Book Description




Bile Acids and Their Receptors


Book Description

This book focusses on the latest results related to the field of bile acids as signaling molecules and describes how these receptors have become a major pharmacological target. It covers all major areas of research in this field, from genetics, chemistry, in silico modeling, molecular biology to clinical applications, offering a cross-country view of the functional role of bile acids as signaling molecules, virtually acting on all major areas of metabolism. While FXR and GPBAR1 are essential bile acid sensors that integrate the de novo bile acid synthesis with intestinal microbiota and liver metabolism, in a broader sense, BARs play a pathogenic role in the development of common human alignments including liver, intestinal and metabolic disorders, such as steatosis (NAFLD) and steato-hepatitis (NASH), diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis.




Gluconeogenesis


Book Description

Gluconeogenesis, the metabolic process through which glucose or glycogen is synthesized from noncarbohydrate substrates, is critical for maintaining the plasma glucose level within a narrow range either in the fed or fasting (nutritional deprivation) state. Dysregulation of this pathway usually causes severe or even fatal outcomes. This book discusses a series of up-to-date topics about this critical process, including the fundamental biochemical reactions of glucose metabolism, the glucogenesis process in eukaryotic cells using the Dictyostelium discoideum as a model, the role of "gut-brain-liver axis" in the control of glucose homeostasis, and the new mathematic model for the monitoring and prediction of blood glucose. This book is written by international scientists with expertise in the study of gluconeogenesis. By presenting a clear and succinct review of the fundamentals of gluconeogenesis, it is expected to draw more attentions and stimulate more scientists to dedicate their researches in revealing the mechanism and its application of gluconeogenesis.




Avian Biochemistry and Molecular Biology


Book Description

The biology of birds is diverse and frequently differs significantly from that of other vertebrates. Many birds migrate or fly at high altitudes, while egg-laying and feather production places high demands on nutrient uptake and storage. This book is the only comprehensive and up-to-date survey of avian biochemistry and molecular biology available. It emphasises the similarities and differences between birds and other vertebrates, concentrating on new developments. The first section deals with protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, its hormonal control and the adaptations that occur in birds. The second covers the avian genome, gene expression, and avian immunology. Growth and embryological development are also discussed. Avian Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will be of interest to all those working on birds, especially postgraduate students and researchers.