The Functions, Disease-Related Dysfunctions, and Therapeutic Targeting of Neuronal Mitochondria

Bridging the gap between the laboratory and the bedside, this timely volume illuminates the connection between endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease. This comprehensive survey of atherosclerotic disease begins with biology – incorporating the latest breakthroughs in the field – then elucidates risk factors and diagnostic tools and markers. A major section on endothelium-directed prevention and therapy shows you how to apply cutting-edge research to clinical care. Under the careful editorial guidance of Drs. De Caterina and Libby, the highly-regarded contributors address: – endothelial activation and the initiation of atherosclerosis – mechanisms of plaque progression and complications – the role of LDL in the origin and progression of atherosclerosis – advanced glycation endproducts and the accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetes – oxidative stress and vascular disease – soluble adhesion molecules as markers of vascular disease – hormone-replacement therapy and cardiovascular risk – anti-oxidants and endothelial protection and more. The first book dedicated to the central role of endothelial dysfunction in vascular disease, this concise volume gathers all the latest information on the subject into one convenient and cohesive text. Make sure your patients are benefiting from current knowledge by keeping a copy of Enothelial Dysfunctions in Vascular Disease close at hand for frequent consultation. Introduction Every book has a history, this one not excepted, having emerged from intersections in professional lives of the Editors. This book bears the fruits of a collaboration between the “pupil” (RDC) and the “mentor” (PL). During an extended sabbatical of the pupil in Boston in 1994, we probed together the concept that endothelial dysfunction served as a common denominator of vascular disease, with the balance between inflammation and its inhibition as a fulcrum of the regulation of the behavior of endothelial cells. As practicing cardiologists in our clinical lives, we sought to link to endothelial function the mechanisms of action of risk factors and of pharmacologic agents used to treat and prevent vascular disease. The pupil therefore authored a few reviews on the mechanism of action of risk factors and included them in a small book, published in Italian, for which the mentor wrote a preface. The book was greeted with favor from the Italian cardiological community, and provided the nidus for the present, more ambitious endeavor, which includes updated reviews on the pathogenesis of vascular disease and on the most novel aspects of vascular biology. This enterprise was enabled by the contributions of many of our former or present collaborators and colleagues, without whose enthusiasm and engagement this work could never have seen light. We largely underestimated the devotion necessary on our own side at the beginning, but it ultimately yielded a product that we feel achieves our original goals. We are aware that we confront a continuously evolving topic, where frequent updates would be desirable – if not necessary. Yet, we believe in the value of books – such as the current one – that attempt to organize in a snapshot of time, the vast amount of literature available in a coherent and comprehensive scheme. We are aware of existing gaps, of emerging material not paid its due, and of the rapid evolution of some of the concepts highlighted within. The links between the laboratory and the clinic have never afforded more opportunity for new understanding and advances in diagnosis and treatment than today We hope that our colleagues, vascular biologists cardiologists, internists, and other physicians alike will find this compendium a useful guide to this most exciting time in vascular biology and medicine

The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.

Although normally thought of as a sex hormone, recent research has highlighted the numerous and significant effects that oestrogen has on the CNS, extending far beyond its important reproductive role. It has been shown that oestrogen acts as a neural growth factor with important influences on the survival, plasticity, regeneration and ageing of the mammalian brain. This exciting book brings together leading clinicians and researchers to discuss oestrogen's basic mechanisms of action, the extrahypothalmic brain regions it affects, and its influence on cognitive functions in animals and humans. Finally, recent research on the role of oestrogens in ageing and dementia, including the significance of oestrogen action in Alzheimer's disease, is discussed. The 15 papers contained in this book, together with the extensive discussion sessions that follow them, reveal much new and exciting work in this area, and identify promising new research directions.

Classical studies of steroid hormones are concerned with their regulation of protein synthesis via the modulation of genomic transcription. But many of the actions of these hormones occur too rapidly to be explained in this manner, particularly their effects on the central nervous system. This text deals with recent discoveries showing that steroids can modulate the activity of some neurotransmitters. It explores the role of GABA as an important regulator of neuronal activity in the central nervous system and its inhibitory action as mediated via the GABA receptor and potentiated by steroids. In addition, the binding of steroids to cell membranes, the components involved and the outcome of such interactions are described. Also discusses possible uses of steroids as anesthetics and anticonvulsants.

Presents a comprehensive review of current proteoglycan research, which is providing fresh insights into many major chronic diseases. The proteoglycans are a family of macromolecules which contain one or more glycosaminoglycan chains covalently bound to a core protein. Proteoglycans are a major component of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues and help to determine its volume, resiliency, and organization. They are an important medium through which nutrients, hormones, and other solutes are transported to cells, and they play a significant role in cell-cell interactions. Disturbances in proteoglycans occur in rheumatic and connective tissue disorders, degenerative bone disease, vascular disease, renal disease, and malignant disorders.

An authoritative look at the application of chemical biology in drug discovery and development Based on the award-winning Wiley Encyclopedia of Chemical Biology published in 2008, this book explores the role of chemical biology in drug discovery and development. The first part of the book reviews key principles and techniques used in the design and evaluation of drug candidates. The second part elucidates biological mechanisms of certain diseases, illuminating approaches to investigate and target these diseases. Comprising carefully selected reprints from the Encyclopedia as well as new contributions from leading scholars in the field, this book provides researchers in academia and industry with important information to aid in the development of novel agents to treat disease. Self-contained articles cover a variety of essential topics, including: The design, development, and optimization of drug candidates The pharmacokinetics and properties of drugs Drug transport and delivery Natural products and natural product models as pharmaceuticals Biological mechanisms underlying health and disease Treatment strategies for a range of diseases, from HIV to schizophrenia Chemical Biology is a top-notch guide and reference for anyone working in the areas of drug discovery and development, including researchers in chemical biology and other fields such as biochemistry, medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences.

The reference is a broad-ranging review of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias from both basic and clinical neuroscience perspectives; it provides scientists and medical professionals with an extensive introduction and an up-to-date review of cutting-edge scientific advances. Brings the reader up-to-date with cutting-edge developments in this exciting and fast-paced field Summarizes the most recent developments in the fields of Alzheimer's disease and dementia Brings together articles from a prominent and international group of contributors Encompasses a unique range of topics, combining basic molecular perspectives and cognitive neurosciences

This book brings together important information about complementary therapies and how they are used in diabetes care. It addresses the benefits and risks of complementary therapies and takes an evidence-based approach. Complementary Therapies and the Management of Diabetes and Vascular Disease: A Matter of Balance provides health professionals with appropriate information about complementary therapies so they can discuss these therapies with their patients and help them make informed decisions about their diabetes care. Managing diabetes depends on achieving life balance, not just metabolic control. This is the first book devoted exclusively to complementary therapies and diabetes, and it has several key features: It is an informative evidence-based text that will help health professionals understand complementary therapies commonly used by people with diabetes, their potential benefits, possible adverse events and how these could be minimised or prevented. It describes clinical practice guidelines for the safe combination of complementary and conventional therapies in diabetes management. It suggests appropriate advice to give people with diabetes and vascular disease about complementary therapies. Written by experts in the various fields, this book makes important reading for all health professionals managing patients with diabetes and associated vascular disease, including nurses, doctors, dietitians and podiatrists.

Mitochondria are complex organelles, possessing inner and outer membranes and even their own DNA. A typical cell contains 800 mitochondria, termed the «powerhouse of the cell», playing a central role in metabolism, respiration, and ATF production. Mitochondria is the first modern, truly comprehensive authored book which tackles the biochemistry, genetics, and pathology of mitochondria in different organisms.

This volume inspires. It certainly will be much appreciated by cell biologists all over the world. Quarterly Review of Biology, March 2009 This book is the eagerly awaited second edition of the best-selling Mitochondria, a book widely acknowledged as the first modern, truly comprehensive authored work on the important, scientifically fundamental topic of the cellular organelles known as mitochondria. This new edition brings readers completely up to date on the many significant findings that have occurred in the eight years since the book was first published. As in that seminal first edition, the second edition tackles the biochemistry, genetics, and pathology of mitochondria in different organisms. The new edition provides thorough updates of all literature concerning this vital organelle, its functions, ongoing research surrounding it, and its importance vis-?-vis a broad range of issues in cellular and molecular biology. The book includes detailed descriptions of current and developing technologies around mitochondrial research and discovery, and highlights subjects that are growing, such as the use of proteomics. This book is an invaluable resource for all geneticists, biologists, and educators in life sciences. It is also of interest for advanced students in genetics and molecular biology.