Growth Hormone is a fitting addition to the Endocrine Updates Series. The aim of these publications is to provide the clinician with cutting-edge, yet succinct, access to the latest advances in endocrinology. Current interest in this rapidly evolving area of endocrinology makes this a timely and important update. Growth Hormone joins Dr. Fagin's Thyroid Cancer in continuing the standard of excellence as the fourth volume in this series of topical updates. Shlomo Melmed, MD, Series Editor, Endocrine Updates Ten years ago, many endocrinologists were still skeptical that growth hormone (GH) played an active role in adult metabolism. This is, perhaps, surprising given that GH deficiency (GHD) in adulthood had been recognized' as long ago as the 1960s. During the last ten years studies have shown that GHD in adulthood is a far-reaching syndrome associated with abnormal body composition, reduced bone mineral density with an increased fracture rate, increased cardiovascular morbidity and impaired cardiac function, as well as reduced exercise performance and decreased psychological well-being. Importantly, it is also clear, from placebo-controlled trials, that GH replacement therapy can normalize body composition, increase bone mineral content and improve the cardiovascular risk factor profile. GH replacement therapy also improves cardiac performance and exercise capacity, increases muscle strength and improves well-being and quality of life. The aim of Growth Hormone is to provide a critical update of current knowledge about adult GHD and the future role of GH/IGF-1 in adult medicine. For this purpose, contributions from a number of research groups have been invited. It is my hope that the book may not only serve as an introduction to the field, but also stimulate further research within this exciting area.

Carole Mendelson has assembled a panel of leading investigators to critically review the various classes of endocrine, paracrine, and neuroendocrine factors that play a role in the regulation of lung development and surfactant production. Special attention is accorded the actions of glucocorticoids in lung development and the synthesis of surfactant glycerophospholipids and proteins. Also extensively treated are the roles of cell-cell interactions and the elaboration of various growth factors and bioactive peptides in pulmonary cell differentiation, gene expression, and pathophysiology. State-of-the-art and comprehensive, Endocrinology of the Lung constitutes a powerful new standard guide that illuminates the complex endocrinology of the lung for all those actively investigating hormone action in pulmonary biology and medicine today.

In a rapidly evolving and extremely important area of medical science, it is often difficult for the student, teacher, and researcher to keep abreast of all the important advances. The purpose of Molecular Biology ofDiabetes, Parts I and II is to bring to these individuals the latest knowledge of diabetes-related research in a comprehensive, yet concise manner. To this end, we have assembled chapters, written by most of the world's experts in the field, that we believe compre hensively survey and synthesize a coherent understanding of the subject. Studies of the etiology of type I and type II diabetes are extremely exciting and essential, since we hope to one day prevent the disease using gene therapy. These aspects are covered in Molecular Biology of Diabetes: I. Autoimmunity and Genetics; Insulin Synthesis and Secretion. In type II diabetes, an abnormality in pancreatic secretion exists concomitantly with peripheral insulin resistance. This abnor mality of insulin secretion is believed to be related to a defect(s) in glucose sensing. Uncoupling of glucose sensing from insulin secre tion may be the crucial step in the pathogenesis of noninsulin-depen dent diabetes. In this volume, we have invited authors to describe their studies on all known factors affecting -cell function, including autoimmunity and genetics of diabetes, as well as molecular mecha nisms of insulin synthesis and secretion. In the last few years, the most rapidly advancing area of research in diabetes has been, in fact, related to insulin action."

As humans ventured into the twentieth century, the industrialized countries were confronted with the scourge of rickets. Although solariums were becoming common in the early 1900s and phototherapy was gaining popularity as a result of the awarding of a Nobel Prize to Finsen in 1903, it wasn't until 1921 when Hess and Unger demonstrated that rickets could be cured by exposure to sunlight that the healthful benefit of sun exposure appreciated. In 1941, Apperly (Cancer Research; 1: 191-195, 1941) noted that the occasional increased risk of skin cancer was associated with a decreased risk of many other more common and serious cancers. The alarming increase in the number of cases of skin cancer, especially melanoma, has caused great concern about the negative role of sunlight in health. The Sixth International Arnold Rikli Symposium on the Biologic Effects of Light was held in Boston, Massachusetts from June 16th - 18th, 2001. The goal of this Symposium was to focus on the very popular practice of tanning either by sunlight or by artificial light sources and the overall impact this practice has on health and disease. The program was organized by members of the Scientific Advisory Committee and my co-chair emeritus, Professor Ernst G. Jung. The Program Committee organized an outstanding state-of-the-art program that was enthusiastically received by the participants.

Diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing in prevalence throughout both developed and developing countries. The social and economic burden of this disease is estimated to cost 14 billion dollars worldwide. In the USA alone, 15 million individuals are diabetic, nearly half of them unaware of their condition. Complications of diabetes mellitus are the leading causes for blindness, limb amputation and chronic renal failure and kidney transplantation in industrialized countries. Further, diabetes mellitus per se and the metabolic derangement associated with diabetes are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, as defined by an elevated fasting blood glucose level is presently subdivided in etiologically distinct groups. The most prevalent being type 2 (adult onset) diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and failure of the ~-cell to supply insulin in amounts sufficient to meet the body's needs. Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, most commonly with an onset during childhood and adolescence, is caused by an auto-immune destruction of the pancreatic ~-cells. The causations of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve a combination of complex genetic traits and environmental influences. A third category are the mature onset diabetes of the young (MODY). This comparatively small group of patients (-10% of diabetes) presents relative early in life "30 years of age) compared to the more common late onset type 2 diabetes.

The editors have adopted psychoneuroimmunology as a term which implies the involvement of higher nervous system activity in the regulatory interactions of the neuroendocrine and the immune systems. The alternative terms neuroimmunomodulation, neuroendocrinimmunology, and immunoendocrinology, etc.,

"In this outstanding volume, Dr. Gaillard has assembled a team of international experts who have written one of the most comprehensive treatises on this topic. Ranging from fundamental molecular developmental mechanisms of the corticotroph cell, to the treatment of Cushing's Disease, these chapters provide a cutting edge overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of disordered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function. Especially noteworthy are the inclusion of chapters on appetite control and neuro-immunomodulation, reflecting the recent exciting advances in these fields.
The student of Cushing's Disease and the HPA axis will find elucidation of the latest basic scientific advances, coupled with patient friendly guidelines for clinical diagnosis and management of an extremely challenging neuroendocrine disorder. The repute of the authors, highest quality writing, lucid text and comprehensive coverage of the topics, all blend to result in an excellent text."

Diabetes, particularly type 2, has become increasingly more common around the world. Consequently, the effect of diabetes on the brain has achieved enormous public health importance. A surge in pre-clinical and clinical research on topics ranging from management of hyperglycemia in acute stroke to disturbances in insulin signaling in Alzheimer s disease has led to substantial progress in the field. Written by a panel of international experts, Diabetes and the Brain provides in depth reviews on the cerebral complications of diabetes, and offers introductory chapters on current insights on the pathophysiology and clinical management of diabetes, as well as neuropsychological assessment and dementia. This relevant and easily accessible book explains the cerebral complications of diabetes, with an update on diabetes for neurologists, psychiatrists, and mental health providers and researchers in general, and on stroke and dementia for those involved in research and clinical practice in diabetes."

Lessons from Animal Diabetes is a broad compendium of international research in experimental diabetes to which the authors have contributed reviews with original information and discussion. It is a valuable resource for medical researchers (both MD and PhD) and for diabetologists whose activities lie at the crossroads of endocrinology, immunology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, pathology and metabolism. It is also a rich and useful reference source for graduate students in these fields. Veterinary scientists and pharmaceutical investigators testing therapeutic modalities in animals with predetermined diabetes or diabetes induced by cytotoxic or nutritional factors will also be interested in reading this volume. This is the sixth volume of a series which comprises invited reviews on subjects of contemporary interest both in IDDM and NIDDM. The contributors to the IDDM section have dealt with the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and its role as antigen, the involvement of macrophages, cytokines and retroviruses in the pathogenesis of diabetes, molecular genetics of IDDM as well as new perceptions of the unified mechanisms leading to the final B-cell death as a result of cytotoxic and immune agents. There is also a section dealing with Transgenic Constructs, the new animal models rising in importance in the research of diabetes and its related phenomena. The articles devoted to this topic range from effects of B-cell function to immunomodulatory alterations and diabetic complications. The contributors to the section on the NIDDM syndrome, comprising 10 articles, deal both with new and recognized models including the spontaneously diabetic OLETF rat, Chinese hamsters, Goto-Kakizaki rats, db/db mice, rhesus monkeys, dogs, Zucker fa/fa and corpulent cp/cp rat interstrains. This book will be a valuable asset for diabetologists, endocrinologists, physiologists, veterinary scientists, pharmaceutical investigators, and graduate students.

The beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans are the only cells in the body that produce and secrete insulin. This metabolic hormone plays a central role in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. This book provides a comprehensive review of the beta cell in health and disease. The book s primary aim is to encourage investigators to become actively involved in diabetes research and the search for new approaches to prevent and treat diabetes.

Recent progress in recombinant DNA technology and the availability of a number of nonpeptide subtype-specific receptor antagonists and of specific antibodies to components of prorenin-renin-angiotensin system (PRAS) have led to rapid advances in the under standing of the multifaceted role of angiotensin II, classically known as a peptide hormone of cardiovascular homeostasis. Accumulating evidence sug responsible for the regulation gests that, in addition to its role in salt and water metabolism, PRAS may control other physiological functions including neurosecretion, cellular proliferation, hypertrophy and/or differentiation, angiogenesis and gonadal function. At the same time, it is becoming evident that the specialized functions of endocrine glands are not only regulated by trophic hormones but also by locally produced paracrine/autocrine factors. The concept is emerging that tissue PRAS is one such locally active regulatory system. With more and more reproductive and endocrine organs being added to the list of tissues that contain a local tissue PRAS, questions are being raised by the reproductive biologists and endocrinologists as to the role of such systems in the tissues of their interest. On the other hand, the cardiovascular and renovascular physiologists are wondering about the relevance of PRAS in various peripheral tissues compared to those of the classical cardiovascular organs. It appeared, therefore, that the time was ripe for a meeting to consider a merger of interest in these two important but heretofore distinct areas of physiology."

Handbook of Obesity in Obstetrics and Gynecology addresses all aspects of general obstetrics and gynecology in obese patients, providing evidence-based guidance for the treatment and management of gynecological problems and pregnancy-related care in obese women. The book is a valuable resource for junior doctors, residents and obstetricians and gynecologists looking for a comprehensive guide that addresses the most relevant aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care that are impacted by obesity, an increasingly prevalent condition. The rising prevalence of global obesity is of public health concern, hence obese women suffer from a higher incidence of menstrual disorders, polycystic ovaries, infertility issues, and more. In pregnancy, obesity is associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss, recurrent pregnancy loss, fetal developmental abnormalities, thrombo-embolic disease, gestational diabetes, dysfunctional labor, post-partum hemorrhage and difficult operative deliveries.

Sex Hormone Replacement Therapy addresses important issues in contemporary endocrinology. Its major emphasis is on the consequences of the menopause and on androgen deficiency in the absence of overt disease of the hypothalamus and/or pituitary in men. The use of hormone therapy for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women has become an area of major debate, and the pros and cons are examined in detail. Secondary prevention also remains controversial and is addressed in this volume. An issue of particular concern is the treatment of estrogen deficiency symptoms in women with the diagnosis of breast cancer. Whether older men with some androgen deficiency symptoms and equivocally low plasma testosterone concentrations should be treated with androgens is also a matter of great debate, as is the efficacy and safety of plant estrogens in the treatment of menopause-related complaints. Sex Hormone Replacement Therapy will be of interest to students and non-specialists, as well as a wide range of medical practitioners including endocrinologists, gynecologists, rheumatologists and cardiologists.

The Science, Etiology and Mechanobiology of Diabetes and Its Complications presents the most comprehensive synthesis of contemporary global research on diabetes, covering a novel and unique mechanobiological perspective - addressing prevention, management and treatment of tissue, organ and body system damage associated with diabetes and its complications. The book provides a unique approach to communicating diabetes-associated symptoms and opens avenues for development of novel therapeutic and preventive methods. It offers descriptive pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications with great emphasis on mechanobiology. Content coverage also includes management of tissue, organ and body system damage caused by chronic hyperglycemia. Biologists, life scientists, physicians, pharmacists, biomedical engineers, medical physicists, biomathematicians and computer scientists who are interested in the state-of-science and current challenges in the mechanobiology of diabetes should find this book very useful. Likewise, medical researchers in fields such as endocrinology, cardiovascular medicine, oncology, obesity, the immune system, inflammation and wound care and others who wish to be updated about the latest achievements in this exciting arena of research will find that information here.

The purpose of these volumes is to provide a reference work for the methods of purifying many of the receptors we know about. This becomes increasingly important as full-length recep- tors are overexpressed in bacteria or in insect cell systems. A major problem for abundantly expressed proteins will be their purification. In addition to purification protocols, many other de- tails can be found concerning an individual receptor that may not be available in standard texts or monographs. No book of this type is available as a compendium of purification procedures. Receptor Purification provides protocols for the purification of a wide variety of receptors. These include receptors that bind: neurotransmitters, polypeptide hormones, steroid hormones, and ligands for related members of the steroid supergene family and others including receptors involved in bacterial motion. The text of this information is substantial so as to require its publica- tion in two volumes. Consequently, a division was made by grouping receptors depending upon the nature of their ligands. Thus, in volume 1 there are contributions on serotonin receptors, adrenergic receptors, the purification of GTP-binding proteins, opioid receptors, neurotensin receptor, luteinizing hormone re- ceptor, human chorionic gonadotropin receptor, follicle stimulat- ing hormone receptor, thyrotropin receptor, prolactin receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, platelet derived growth factor receptor, colony stimulating factor receptor, insulinlike growth factor receptors, insulin receptor, fibronectin receptor, interferon receptor, and the cholecystokinin receptor.

Since its ?rst description in 1942 in both serum and cerebrospinal ?uid, transthyretin (TTR) has had an eventful history, including changes in name from "prealbumin" to "thyroxine-binding prealbumin" to "transthyretin" as knowledge increased about its functions. TTR is synthesised in a wide range of tissues in humans and other eutherian mammals: the liver, choroid plexus (blood- cerebrospinal ?uid barrier), retinal pigment epithelium of the eye, pancreas, intestine and meninges. However, its sites of synthesis are more restricted in other vertebrates. This implies that the number of tissues synthesising TTR during vertebrate evolution has increased, and raises questions about the selection pressures governing TTR synthesis. TTR is most widely known as a distributor of thyroid hormones. In addition, TTR binds retinol-binding protein, which binds retinol. In this way, TTR is also involved with retinoid distribution. More recently, TTR has been demonstrated to bind a wide variety of endocrine disruptors including drugs, pollutants, industrial compounds, heavy metals, and some naturally occurring plant ?avonoids. These not only interfere with thyroid hormone delivery in the body, but also transport such endocrine disruptors into the brain, where they have the potential to accumulate.

Multicellular organisms require a means of intracellular communication to organize and develop the complex body plan that occurs during embryogenesis and then for cell and organ systems to access and respond to an ever changing environmental milieu. Mediators of this constant exchange of information are growth factors, neurotransmmitters, peptide and protein hormones which bind to cell surface receptors and transduce their signals from the extracellular space to the intracellular compartment. Via multiple signaling pathways, receptors of this general class affect growth, development and differentiation. Smaller hydrophobic signaling molecules, such as steroids and non-steroid hormones, vitamins and metabolic mediators interact with a large family of nuclear receptors. These receptors function as transcription factors affecting gene expression, to regulate the multiple aspects of animal and human physiology, including development, reproduction and homeostasis.
The aim of this book is to cover various aspects of intracellular signaling involving hormone receptors.

THIS BOOK collects together papers given at a NATO Advanced Research Workshop held at Il Ciocco (Lucca), Italy, from the 9th to the 15th April, 1989. It sets out to present the current state of understanding of the principles governing the way fluxes and concentrations are maintained and controlled in metabolic systems. Although this is a topic that has held the interest of biochemists for many years, it is only quite recently that the methods of analysing the kinetics of multi-enzyme pathways developed over the past two decades have come to be widely discussed or applied experimentally. Many biochemists remain sceptical that the new methods offer a real advance (except in complexity) over the landmark discoveries of the 1950s and 1960s relating to inhibition of enzymes at branch-points by the end products of metabolic pathways, and the interpretation of allosteric effects and cooperativity. Even those who have become convinced that the classical ideas provide only the starting point for understanding metabolic control have been by no means unanimous in their assess ment of the direction in which one should advance. In this book we have tried to include all of the current points of view, including the view that the classical theories tell us all that we need to know. We have not seen it as our role as editors to paper over the cracks that exist and to pretend that we can speak to the world with one voice."

Modern society is altering the lifestyle and longevity of its members much more quickly than evolutionary adaptation to these changes can take place. The problem of calcium deficiency in the population is compounded by the growing percentage of aged individuals with relatively fragile, less massive skeletons. Current-day civilizations are much more effective in prolonging human life in a state of relative debility than even a few decades ago. This reality is unlikely to change and mandates that we develop strategies to prevent aging-related diseases like osteoporosis before they become manifest. Osteoporosis: Genetics, Prevention and Treatment places emphasis on the (1) genetic predisposition, (2) early recognition and (3) prevention of osteoporosis. The intent is not to move the practitioner's attention away from intervention therapy of osteoporosis, but rather to expand their view of this disease as one beginning at birth and one in which susceptibility is manifest at the conclusion of adolescence, not at menopause. The book concludes with an informed view of the future in terms of the recognition, prevention and management of osteoporosis.

The Carbs & Cals WORLD FOODS Flashcards are a visual guide to counting carbs, calories and other nutrients in African, Arabic, Caribbean & South Asian foods. Each of the 64 large, durable cards displays a food photo and portion weight. The reverse of the card shows the same photo with its nutritional information. The amount of carbs are also displayed as blood glucose icons, to visually show the possible effect of each portion on blood glucose levels. Carbs & Cals Flashcards are perfect for diabetes, weight loss and portion control, and can be used in a variety of ways at home or in a clinical setting. Use alongside the Carbs & Cals PACK 1 and PACK 2 flashcard sets, to make a bumper pack of 192 unique flashcards!

A comprehensive, evidence-based introduction to the area of lymphology, the book is directed mainly to the US audience and will appeal to an interdiscplinary field of health professionals. It describes the unique anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system and the intimate relationship it shares with the venous system. It explores the differential diagnosis of the swollen leg/arm, which is often the presenting problem to the health care professional.The necessity of history taking, physical examination and laboratory studies are noted. Treatment methods are described as an introduction and psychosocial and quality of life issues are explored in depth. The book will appeal to primary care physicians whose cancer patients are sent to radiation oncologists (who themselves must be knowledgeable about possible lymphedema following treatment), and to physical therapists, occupational therapists as well as massage therapists, physicians practicing holistic medicine, and every US medical school and phlebologists.

Experienced physicians concisely explain the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of endocrine disorders and survey all the latest laboratory diagnostics. Topics range widely from an overview of the diagnosis of diabetes and the long-term monitoring of its complications to the evaluation of menstrual dysfunction. Coverage is also given to the diagnosis of pituitary tumors, Cushing's syndrome, thyroid disease, and hypoglycemia; the evaluation of endocrine-induced hypertension; the assessment of dyslipidemia and obesity; and approaches to diagnosing hyper- and hypocalcemia. There are also discussions of osteoporosis, hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction, and hyperandrogenism in women. The authors each review the complex physiological basis of the relevant endocrine processes and provide richly instructive recommendations for followup and long-term management of patients.