The Natural Anti-Gal Antibody as Foe Turned Friend in Medicine


Book Description

The Natural Anti-Gal Antibody as Foe Turned Friend in Medicine provides a comprehensive review of the natural anti-Gal antibody, which is the most abundant antibody in humans constituting ~1% of immunoglobulins and the carbohydrate antigen it recognizes, the a-gal epitope. It discusses the discovery of this antigen/antibody system, its evolution in mammals, the pathological effects of this antibody, and its possible use in various therapies in humans. Most significantly, the book discusses microbial and regenerative therapies in which an antibody present in all humans may be harnessed as an in vivo pharmaceutical agent that enables a wide variety of therapies. Some of these therapies are described as experimental studies that are compiled in this book, other already studied therapies in the area of cancer immunotherapy are also included in this book. - Provides tactics on how to improve cancer immunotherapy and viral vaccine immunogenicity - Includes discussions on therapies that accelerate the healing of normal and chronic wounds, and of burns - Covers the regeneration of bio-implants




Sphingolipids in Cancer


Book Description

Sphingolipids in Cancer, Volume 140, the latest release in the Advances in Cancer Research series, provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Topics discussed in this updated volume include Mechanisms of ceramide-dependent cancer cell death, Sphingolipids as regulators of autophagy and endocytic trafficking, The role and function of sphingomyelin biosynthesis in the development of cancer, Neutral sphingomyelinases in cancer: Friend or foe?, Sphingolipid rendezvous at the crossroad of NAFLD and senescence, Ceramide signaling and p53 pathways, Sphingolipid regulation of RNA Biology in cancer phenotypes, The role of ceramide-1-phosphate in tumor cell survival and dissemination, and more. - Provides information on cancer research, with this release focusing on sphingolipids - Offers outstanding and original reviews on a range of cancer research topics - Serves as an indispensable reference for researchers and students alike




Encyclopedia of Food Allergy


Book Description

Encyclopedia of Food Allergy, organized in 10 sections, with ~200 chapters, and written by world-renowned clinician-scientist authors, is the most comprehensive resource for food allergy ever compiled. With online and physical presence, intuitive and easily accessible organization of information, the reader can quickly access overview and general topics as well as detailed information to inform solutions to clinical or research questions. Research topics provide the necessary background for the novice as well as the details required for those in the field. Clinical topics provide comprehensive and practical information, with generous use of tables, figures, and key points/clinical pearls, to inform clinical decision-making, and promote evidence-based management decisions. Food allergy may affect up to 10% of the population in developed countries and appears to be increasing in prevalence worldwide, with many food allergies proving life-long, severe and potentially fatal. The last decade has witnessed a sea change response to the impact of food allergy through basic science research on the immunology, food science research on the triggers, clinical approaches to daily management, treatment and prevention, and an increasing understanding of the psychosocial and societal implications and how to address them. With the expanding breadth and depth of the field, there is no existing comprehensive resource available for those professionals interested in learning about or contributing to food allergy research and clinical care. This is a complete resource covering broad and detailed aspects of food allergy and adverse food reactions for clinicians, researchers, regulators, food industry, students and other stakeholders who need and will benefit from a rich resource with in-depth and practical information. - Presents in-depth, comprehensive coverage from an outstanding international author base of domain experts - Ideal for new researchers and clinicians who will have a single resource that includes general topics to get them started - Includes access to detailed information in their areas of work AND for many related topics that will help improve their research or clinical care




Carbohydrate Antigens


Book Description

Developed from a symposium at the Fourth Chemical Congress of North America (202nd National Meeting of the ACS) in New York City, August 1991, chapter-papers present research on topics including how proteins recognize and bind oligosaccharides, synthesis and immunological properties of glycopeptide T-cell determinants, Vibrio cholerae polysaccharide studies, and purification of oligosaccharide antigens by weak affinity chromatography. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR







Fabry Disease


Book Description

Fabry disease is an X-linked inborn error of metabolism wherein deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme results in systemic deposition of glycosphingolipids. Storage deposition, and hence pathological disease, occurs preferentially in renal glomerular and tubular epithelial cells, myocardial cells, heart valve fibrocytes, neurons of dorsal root ganglia, and in endothelial smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Thus, Fabry disease is a multi-system disorder, albeit with considerable phenotypic heterogeneity in onset and in severity; however, it is progressive, exhibits extensive morbidity, and is life-threatening. Within the past two decades, there has been a radical change in the natural course Fabry disease by virtue of the availability of specific enzyme replacement therapy. Moreover, there has been a concerted effort to better understand the underlying pathology and equally to identify patients prior to the onset of irreversible end-organ damage. It is to be hoped that the future for patients with Fabry disease can be viewed with greater, albeit guarded, optimism. This state-of-the-art textbook attempts to bridge the span of pre-clinical studies, clinical finding, and management options in a readable but comprehensive manner for the medical practitioner as well as the interested non-medical reader.




The Natural Anti-Gal Antibody as Friend and Foe in Medicine


Book Description

The Natural Anti-Gal Antibody as Foe Turned Friend in Medicine provides a comprehensive review of the natural anti-Gal antibody, which is the most abundant antibody in humans constituting ~1% of immunoglobulins and the carbohydrate antigen it recognizes, the ?-gal epitope. It discusses the discovery of this antigen/antibody system, its evolution in mammals, the pathological effects of this antibody, and its possible use in various therapies in humans. Most significantly, the book discusses microbial and regenerative therapies in which an antibody present in all humans may be harnessed as an in vivo pharmaceutical agent that enables a wide variety of therapies. Some of these therapies are described as experimental studies that are compiled in this book, other already studied therapies in the area of cancer immunotherapy are also included in this book. Provides tactics on how to improve cancer immunotherapy and viral vaccine immunogenicity Includes discussions on therapies that accelerate the healing of normal and chronic wounds, and of burns Covers the regeneration of bio-implants




Molecular Allergy Diagnostics


Book Description

This book, based on a recent German publication, offers an overview of basic data and recent developments in the groundbreaking field of molecular allergology. It comprehensively explores the origin and structure of single allergen molecules ("components") and their utility in improving the management of type I, IgE-mediated allergic reactions and disorders like allergic respiratory diseases, food allergies, and anaphylaxis. Highly specific testing, called component-resolved diagnostics, aims to identify and utilize single molecules. Over 200 single allergens from plant or animal sources have been applied to single or multiplex laboratory testing for the presence of allergen-specific IgE. This leap in assay sensitivity and specificity has led to three major advances in patient management: discrimination between primary allergic sensitization and complex cross-reactivity, recognition of IgE profiles for certain allergens and identification of patients most likely to benefit from allergen-specific immunotherapy. The book discusses in detail the benefits and limitations of this 21st century technology, and offers suggestions for the use of molecular allergology in routine clinical practice. It is a “must read” for physicians treating allergic patients as well as scientists interested in natural allergic molecules and their interactions with the human immune system.




Dietary Fiber


Book Description

Twenty years ago the very idea of an international conference on the fiber contained in plant food would have been totally inconceivable. At that time fiber was generally viewed as an inert component of food of no nutritional value and consequently consid ered as a contaminant, the removal of which would enhance the purity of a product. It was measured by a now obsolete and almost worthless test introduced in the last century for veterinary rather than human nutrition, and what was measured was referred to as "crude fiber," containing part of the cellulose and lignin but none of the numerous components of fiber now known to play important roles in the maintenance of health. There were a few lone voices prior to the last two decades who had extolled the laxative properties of the undigested portion of food, assuming that these were related to its irritant action on the bowel mucosa. In retrospect this was a total misconception, and "softage" would have been a more appropriate term than "roughage," since its presence insured soft, not irritating, colon content.




Essential Immunology


Book Description