Anatomy and Physiology


Book Description




Disorders of the Human Adrenal Cortex


Book Description

Substantial further advances in our understanding of adrenal development, steroid biosynthesis and adrenocortical disorders necessitate another look at this small but complex organ. In this volume, leaders in the fields of adrenal development, biochemistry and genetics review the most recent findings from bench and bedside research. New aspects of adrenal development and zonation and the novel 'backdoor' pathway to androgen synthesis are discussed. P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (a newly described form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia) and long-term outcome of prenatal treatment of 21-hydroxylase deficiency are examined. An update on ACTH resistance and adrenal Cushing's syndrome is provided. Finally, the role of adrenal steroidogenesis in arterial hypertension and fetal programming of adrenal androgen excess as a possible explanation for polycystic ovary syndrome in later life are analyzed. This book will be of great interest to pediatric, adult and reproductive endocrinologists, clinical geneticists, developmental biologists and basic scientists working in the fields of endocrinology and steroidogenesis.




Genetic Diagnosis of Endocrine Disorders


Book Description

Genetic Diagnosis of Endocrine Disorders, Second Edition provides users with a comprehensive reference that is organized by endocrine grouping (i.e., thyroid, pancreas, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenal, and reproductive and bone), discussing the genetic and molecular basis for the diagnosis of various disorders. The book emphasizes the practical nature of diagnosing a disease, including which tests should be done for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in adults and children, which genes should be evaluated for subjects with congenital hypothyroidism, which genetic tests should be ordered in obese patients or for those with parathyroid carcinoma, and the rationale behind testing for multiple endocrine neoplasias. Offers a clear presentations of pharmacogenetics and the actual assays used in detecting endocrine diseases Teaches the essentials of the genetic basis of disease in each major endocrine organ system Offers expert advice from genetic counselors on how to use genetic information in counseling patients Includes new chapters on the genetics of lipid disorders and glycogen storage diseases, genetics of hypoglycemia, and whole genome/exome sequencing




The Theory of Endobiogeny


Book Description

The Theory of Endobiogeny Volume 1: Global Systems Thinking and Biological Modeling for Clinical Medicine offers researchers and clinicians a detailed introduction to the theory of Endobiogeny. The book presents a new approach to medicine that is at once scientific and humanistic, quantitative, and qualitative. The philosophical and experimental basis of a global complex systems approach to physiology is presented along with a mathematical approach to modeling the dynamism of the terrain. The importance of the history and physical examination are renewed as a source of “big data readily available to clinicians for greater insight into the patient’s state. Expansion of the therapeutic compendium is proposed based on a rational, clinical approach correlated to mathematical indicators of the physiologic state. What is proposed in this work is a fundamental shift in scientific thinking with a resulting expansion of the boundaries of clinical medicine for the 21st century and beyond. Extends systems biology from the cellular to the integrative physiologic level Moves the functional medicine approach to a higher level of integration and true global systems thinking Presents mathematical tools and proofs of formulas related to the biology of functions: a biological modeling system based on the theory of endobiogeny. The biology of functions has assisted clinicians in conceptualizing, treating, and objectively monitoring the longitudinal effects of treatment through the evolution of the patient’s unique phenotypic expression of terrain




Endocrine Hypertension


Book Description

Several genetic, biochemical and radiologic discoveries have impacted the management of endocrine hypertension, while surgical procedures have revolutionized treatment of patients with endocrine hypertension. This text contains the proceedings of a 2001 workshop on the topic.




Principles of Endocrinology and Hormone Action


Book Description

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge of the physiology of the endocrine system and hormone synthesis and release, transport, and action at the molecular and cellular levels. It presents essential as well as in-depth information of value to both medical students and specialists in Endocrinology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Although it is well established that the endocrine system regulates essential functions involved in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, it is increasingly being recognized that this complex regulatory system comprises not only hormones secreted by the classic endocrine glands but also hormones and regulatory factors produced by many organs, and involves extensive crosstalk with the neural and immune system. At the same time, our knowledge of the molecular basis of hormone action has greatly improved. Understanding this complexity of endocrine physiology is crucial to prevent endocrine disorders, to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic tools, and to provide the rationale for pharmacological, immunological, or genetic interventions. It is such understanding that this book is designed to foster.




The Endocrine System


Book Description

The endocrine system, comprised of a number of hormone-secreting glands, is vital to the functioning of the human body. In addition to its role in reproductive activity, the endocrine system regulates tissue growth, responses to injury and stress, and helps maintain necessary levels of chemicals throughout the body. This detailed volume carefully examines the major glands of the endocrine system as well as the consequences of its dysfunction and disorder.




The Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis


Book Description

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis controls reactions to stress and regulates various body processes such as digestion, the immune system, mood and sexuality, and energy usage. This volume focuses on the role it plays in the immune system and provides substantive experimental and clinical data to support current understanding in the field, and potential applications of this knowledge in the treatment of disease. Evidence presented in this book suggests that the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems form the Neuroendoimmune Supersystem, which integrates all the biological functions of higher organisms both in health and disease for their entire life cycle Contributors include both the scientists who initiated the work on the HPA axis and on the autonomic nervous system, and those who joined the field later




Adrenal Cortex


Book Description

Adrenal Cortex presents a critical review of functional and structural zonation of the cortex. It discusses the regulation of adrenocortical function by control of growth and structure. It also addresses the adrenal cortex in the fetus and neonate. It demonstrates the cellular mechanisms involved in the acute and chronic actions of ACTH. Some of the topics covered in the book are the molecular structures of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors; description of adrenarche and adrenal hirsutism; types of congenital enzymatic defects of the adrenal; aetiology and management of Cushing’s syndrome; and the relationship between adrenal cortex and hypertension. The description and characteristics of adrenocortical dysfunction are fully covered. The interactions between the adrenal cortex and medulla are extensively discussed. An in-depth analysis of the pharmacokinetics of natural and synthetic glucocorticoids is provided. A study of the regulation of normal steroidogenesis by adrenocortical structure is well presented. A chapter is devoted to possible role of vascular system in neural stimulations. The book can provide useful information to neurologists, doctors, students, and researchers.