Western Medicine as seen today has a strong scientific basis in its development. The pathogenesis of most diseases and their symptomatology and physical signs are well studied and understood. The management of patients is based on firm understanding of these disease processes. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine came about through the experience of many generations of practitioners over thousands of years. Undoubtedly, many of these treatments have proved to be effective in their own way, however, firm scientific basis is still lacking.

While most Western Medicine advocates control of disease by eradication of pathogens and surgical removal of diseased organs as in the case of cancer, Traditional Chinese Medicine seeks to improve resistance against disease. There is probably a great wealth of therapeutic value in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has not been discovered or explored fully. By combining the knowledge of both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, one might be able to improve the results of efficacy of treatments and the survival of patients. The integration of Medicine from East and West will take time to evolve and will need interested physicians from different parts of the world to work closely together to realize such a possibility.

This book is an attempt to bridge the medical world of two great and ancient civilizations in their approach to the treatment of disease. It is informative with a detailed account of the history of medical development. It is highly recommended for those medical practitioners from both East and West who are interested to explore alternative medicine and research new areas of the medical frontier.

This volume of Molecular Biology of Hematopoiesis is dedicated to many inter national scientists and clinicians for their contribution to the field of Hematology/ Oncology presented at the 11th International Symposium on Molecular Biology of Hematopoiesis, which was held in Bormio, Italy, June 25-29, 1998. The continuous support of the Presidents of the meeting, Professor F. Takaku, President of Jichi University, and E. D. Thomas, Nobel Laureate, was greatly acknowledged, especially Professor Takaku, for his vision and support for development of gene therapy in Japan. New information on BMT for autoimmune disease and organ transplantation was presented at the symposium and is published in this volume. Several new findings on gene therapy/transfer into HSC were presented by E. F. Vanin and A. Nienhuis, K. Humphries, 1. A. Nolta, H. E. Heslop, and M. K. Brenner. Professors S. Asano and K. Tani presented new studies on gene transfer into primates. Among the highlights were the new papers on gene transfer presented by G. Wage maker, N. G. Abraham, and M. Onoderea from R. M. BJaese's group. The use of BMT for organ transplant and autoim mune disease was updated and a representative paper is presented in this volume.

Morphological imaging' and functional imaging' are current mainstays for the diagnosis, successful treatment and accurate follow-up of patients with endocrine disorders. Functional and Morphological Imaging of the Endocrine System provides the reader with comprehensive but concise insights in the application of cutting edge imaging techniques and updated imaging protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of hypersecretory hormonal syndromes and functional endocrine masses.

A concise survey by physicians and researchers of the latest thinking about the causes of diabetes and the best approaches to treating its acute and chronic complications. The authors pay special attention to explaining the molecular basis of diabetes and its complications, as well as to the many recent developments in whole pancreas and islet cell transplantation, including the means for avoiding the rejection of transplanted islets.

In this updated edition, leading medical specialists critically review for the general practitioner the latest techniques for the clinical management of diabetic neuropathy. The contributors focus on the practical aspects of diabetic neuropathy and describe in detail the treatments that are currently available or expected to become available in the near future. They also include concise discussions of the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy.

Authoritative researchers and clinicians review our latest understanding of andrology in both basic science and clinical medicine. Topics range from explaining the biology of androgens-from several different perspectives-to illuminating their role in the development and modulation of physiologic systems. Authors demonstrate in a number of cases that testosterone can be a useful adjunct to the treatment of a variety of disease states. Other chapters consider important topics such as androgens use in athletes, the potential of androgens to improve physical function and quality of life in older men, and androgens as potential male contraceptives.

There is an epidemic of diabetes and the problem is only getting worse. More than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes, and over 3 million people die from the consequences of the disease each yer. Diabetes deaths will double by the year 2030. Fortunately, here is an answer. This book can help the majority of diabetics come off all or most medications by changing their lifestyle, eating a healthier diet, starting to exercise, and taking nutraceuticals.

Hormones, Fourth Edition provides a report on the field of human hormones viewed in light of our current understanding of cellular and subcellular architecture, along with the molecular details of their modes of action. Comprehensive information about hormone action on canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways at cellular and subcellular level and effects on architecture and function of organ systems are discussed. All chapters in this new edition have been completely updated to cover advances in endocrinology research, which has expanded significantly in the last few years. Vast coverage of hormones not previously covered and newly discovered aspects of hormone action are also included. This new fourth edition is intended to be used by advanced undergraduates and graduate students in the biological sciences. It will also provide useful background information for health professionals, clinicians and researchers in the field of endocrinology, metabolism and biochemistry.

Environmental Contaminants and Endocrine Health focuses specifically on contaminants with hormonal disrupting activities. The book provides insights into the multiple effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their mechanism of action (MoA) on metabolism, reproduction and the multiple physiological roles of the endocannabinoid system which has recently been indicated as new target. The content systematically covers EDC sources and effects, EDCs as sources of disease and health impairment in laboratory models, EDCs as the cause of disease and health impairment in humans and wild species, and the removal of hazardous pollutants from wastewaters to highlight intervention, mitigation and adaptation for reduced threat. This content will be a foundational resource for academic and research staff in endocrinology and hormone toxicology as well as for professors, researchers and students in these areas.

Thyroid problems affect an estimated one in three of the adult population, yet they are difficult to diagnose on the basis of blood tests and often go undiagnosed for many year. This is the second, greatly updated and revised, edition of Dr Durrant-Peatfield's practical guide to recognizing the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease and to treating the problem with diet and natural supplements, in conjunction with modern western drugs and surgery when really necessary.

Structure, Expression, and Regulation of the IGF-I Gene.- Differential Regulation of IGF-I Leader Exon Transcription.- Insulin and IGF-I Analogs: Novel Approaches to Improved Insulin Pharmacokinetics.- Analysis of the Interaction of Igf-I Analogs with the IGF-I Receptor and IGF Binding Proteins.- Synthesis and Characterization of IGF-II Analogs: Applications in the Evaluation of IGF Receptor Function and IGF-Independent Actions of IGFBPS.- Towards Identification of a Binding Site on Insulinlike Growth Factor-II for IGF-Binding Proteins.- Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation of the Human IGF-II Gene Expression.- Significant Species Differences in Local IGF-I and -II Gene Expression.- Transcriptional Regulation of the Insulin Receptor Gene Promoter.- The Regulation of IGF-I Receptor Gene Expression by Positive and Negative Zinc-Finger Transcription Factors.- Cell Cycle Control by the IGF-1 Receptor and Its Ligands.- The Insulin Receptor Family.- IRR: a Novel Member of the Insulin Receptor Family.- Molecular Properties of Insulin/IGF-1 Hybrid Receptors.- Immunological Studies of Type I IGF Receptors and Insulin Receptors: Haracterisation of Hybrid and Atypical Receptor Subtypes.- Insulin like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Signal Transduction to the Nucleus.- Molecular Cloning of pp120/ ECTO-ATPase, An Endogenous Substrate of the Insulin Receptor Kinase.- The Insulin-like Growth Factor-II/mannose-6-Phosphate Receptor: Structure, Function and Differential Expression.- Parental Imprinting of the Genes for IGF-II and Its Receptor.- Multihormonal Regulation of IGFBP-1 Promoter Activity.- Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1: Identification, Purification, and Regulation in Fetal and Adult Life.- Rapid Regulation of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 Transcription by Insulin In Vito and In Vivo.- IGF Binding Protein-3 and the ACID-labile Subunit: Formation of the Ternary Complex In Vitro and In Vivo.- Role of Post Translational Modifications in Modifying the Biologic Activity of Insulin like Growth Factor Binding Proteins.- Cellular Actions of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3.- Gene Expression of the IGF Binding Proteins during Post-Implantation Embryogenesis of the Mouse: Comparison with the Expression of IGF-I and -II and Their Receptors in Rodent and Human.- Hormonal Regulation of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 Expression and the Development of Transgenic Mouse Models to Study IGFBP-1 Function.- Limited Proteolysis of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3): A Physiological Mechanism in the Regulation of IGF Bioavailability.- Effects of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-I) Administrations on Serum IGF Binding Proteins (IGFBPS) in Patients with Growth Hormone Deficiency.- Metabolic Effects of rhIGF-1 in Normal Human Subjects.- IGFS and Muscle Differentiation.- IGF-II in the Pathogenesis of Rhabdomyosarcoma: a Prototype of IGFS Involvement in Human Tumorigenesis.- The Physiology and Pathophysiology of IGF-I in the Kidney.- Regulation of IGFBP-4 and -5 Expression in Rat Granulosa Cells.- Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Binding Protein-1 Is an Antigonadotropin: Evidence that Optimal Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Action in Ovarian Granulosa Cells Is Contingent upon Amplification by Endogenously-Derived IGFS.- Insulin-like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins in the Zucker Fatty Rat: a case for Differential Tissue Regulation.- Characterization of the IGF Regulatory System in Bone.- Regulation of IGF Activity in Bone.

A comprehensive and authoritative survey of recent findings, ideas, and hypotheses about the causes and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. The authors cover both the basic pathogenic mechanisms of the disease, as well as many of its clinical aspects of identification, management, and new therapeutic approaches. Highlights include an entire section devoted to novel approaches to studying diabetic nephropathy with the most advanced molecular techniques, and complete descriptions of the most up-to-date views on the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The Diabetic Kidney offers both researchers and practicing clinicians a clear understanding of the of the progress that has been made regarding the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and of the therapeutic interventions needed to prevent its development or treat it.

The Thinking Healthcare System: Artificial Intelligence and Human Equity details the global modern trends shaping the evolution of the modern health system in its final form, an AI-driven thinking system. Written by a dual PhD-trained physician-data scientist and philosopher, and author of the first AI global bioethics book, this indispensable resource makes sense of how technology, economics and ethics are already producing the future's health system, along with how to ensure it works for every patient, community and culture. Providing clear descriptions and concrete examples, this book covers AI-informed precision medicine, population medicine, telemedicine, patient safety, information technology, global and vertical integration, health economics, and much more. Researchers, students, practitioners and policymakers in the fields of bioinformatics, health policy, public health, and economics will find this book to be a great resource on how to grow AI-driven health systems for the future.

Hormone measurement is necessary for the diagnosis of a wide range of clinical conditions and is essential for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. As the number of hormone requests in the clinical field rises exponentially, it has become imperative to create hormone assays accessible to researchers with a varied range of equipment. Hormone Assays in Biological Fluids, Second Edition reviews common techniques used to measure hormones as well as relatively new methods such as tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, subsequent chapters detail methods for a broad range of hormones; Techniques and principles covered are transferable to a wide range of substances across species. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Hormone Assays in Biological Fluids, Second Edition will serve students, technologists, laboratory scientists, and researchers looking to apply, or attain a greater understanding of, methods for measuring hormones.

Twenty years after its discovery, recombinant human leptin has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with lipodystrophy. Beginning with a synthesis of the vast body of work on its discovery, dissection of mechanisms, and effects in experimental models , the focus of this book shifts to a consideration of the regulation and role of leptin in humans. The emphasis on human-level data is a unique feature of this book. The results of numerous studies indicate that leptin is indeed a regulated human hormone. Leptin provides a detailed account of the myriad physiological, hormonal, metabolic, immunological, mitogenic and inflammatory modulators and targets of leptin in a single volume. Next follows a comprehensive presentation of the therapeutic trials of recombinant leptin in patients with congenital leptin deficiency, lipodystrophy, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and other emerging areas, including leptin supplementation in leptin-replete subjects, leptin substitution for insulin in diabetic models, and novel combination regimens of leptin and other biogenic peptides. Unanswered questions and future directions in leptin research are highlighted in the Foreword by Dr. Jeffrey Friedman and throughout the volume. Identifying such questions helps direct research that could deepen understanding of the complex regulation of leptin under physiological and pathological conditions, a critical prerequisite to its rational deployment in the treatment of human disorders.

Recent Advances in Prolactin Research summarizes the current knowledge of prolactin (PRL), PRL receptor, PRL-dependent signaling pathways, the role of PRL in oncogenesis and PRL crosstalk with other oncogenic factors. The chapters are written by experts in these fields and focus on identifying and reviewing timely experimental findings that provide new insights into the expanding role of PRL in the pathophysiology associated with a variety of human conditions. Prolactin is a peptide hormone that is best known for its role in lactation. Prolactin also has an influence on hematopoiesis and angiogenesis, and is involved in the regulation of blood clotting through several pathways. Although PRL was discovered more than 80 years ago, the understanding of PRL signaling and its relationship to various pathologies is still very incomplete. PRL is not only a pituitary hormone with an important role in reproduction, but PRL also acts as a cytokine, modulating a wide variety of physiological processes. For example, data gathered during the last decade have demonstrated that locally produced PRL acts as the autocrine/paracrine factor and plays a contributory role during breast oncogenesis. In fact, the scientific and clinical communities have suggested that the manipulation of the PRL axis may lead to the successful treatment of breast cancer. However, recent work has demonstrated that the role of the PRL axis is much more complex than first envisaged.

(Diabetes Forum Series; Vol. 3)

"Theoretically, one should obtain essentially the same clinical picture from failure of an end-organ to respond to a hormone as from a decreased production or absence of said hormone. " With these words, Fuller Albright began his now classic paper describing a novel disease, pseudo hypoparathyroidism (PHP), and a novel concept, hormone resis- tance as a cause of disease. Soon, other hormone resistance disorders such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) were recognized, and the concept was extended to resistance to other substances such as calcium ions in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). Later, diseases characterized by excess rather than deficient hormone action such as McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) and familial male precocious puberty (FMPP) were recognized to be caused by autonomous endocrine hyperfunction. Although many i!!vestigators provided careful and detailed descriptions of the clinical features of these and other related endocrine disorders, an understanding of pathogenesis proved elusive for many years. In just the past few years, we have gone from clinical description to a molecular understanding of these interesting disorders. This remarkable progress reflects a synthe- sis of three distinct, but now overlapping, areas of biomedical research: the aforemen- tioned recognition and careful clinical description of specific diseases, the elucidation of the basic mechanisms of signal transduction, and the application of the powerful tools of molecular biology and genetics. Fundamental studies on the mechanisms of hormone action by Rodbell and colleagues at NIH culminated in the discovery of a major signal transduction pathway involving heterotrimeric G proteins.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is rising in developing countries and developed countries at such high rates that it is now considered a worldwide public health problem of pandemic proportions. Yet its spread can usually be mitigated by diet and lifestyle behavior. Nutritional Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome brings together coverage of dietary patterns and dietary components to create a complete understanding of the mechanisms by which these diets and components may improve metabolic syndrome. It then presents information on how to treat MS through lifestyle change and nutritional intervention. Witten by experts, the book focuses on diet therapy, nutritional intervention, and oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome. It presents information on dietary patterns in metabolic syndrome, including Mediterranean style diets, DASH, and low calorie diets. The text then provides an understanding of the physiopathology mechanisms in metabolic syndrome and strategies to treat these conditions through nutritional intervention. Chapters cover prevalence of MS, pathophysiology, MS in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, gene-nutrient interactions, MS in adolescents and children, lifestyle change and physical activity, and various effects of dietary components in MS. Research studies examining food groups are important, and there is a trend in the literature to verify the relationship between dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk factors. However, studies examining dietary components, such as olive oil, soy-based products, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, berries, whole grains, nuts, dairy foods, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages are also important. The coverage of both in this book gives you an understanding of the pathophysiology underlying MS that you can use to develop strategies to prevent and treat these conditions through nutritional intervention.

Hormones and Epigenetics, Volume 122, the latest release in the Vitamins and Hormones series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting timely, interesting chapters written by an international board of authors.

Despite the gains of the women's movement, women are still judged by what they look like--and men, by what they do. Fat--A Fate Worse Than Death? offers hardy resistance to the narrow, random, and irrational appearance standards set for American women through an approach that is personal, eclectic, courageous, and funny. If you are interested in giving up your diet, throwing out your scales, and concentrating on who you are on a deeper level, this book will show you how to accept, appreciate, and even love your body Using statistics, research, anecdotes, and personal experiences, Fat--A Fate Worse Than Death? explores how appearance standards have built a prison for women. With the book's helpful advice, reading suggestions, and list of more than 100 ways to fight looksism, sexism, ageism, and racism, you will learn to express your rights and needs, regardless of your shape or size, and tear down those prison walls. Designed to transcend the boundaries between the personal and the political, Fat--A Fate Worse Than Death? discusses: examples of how weight and size constitute the last socially accepted prejudice the national "War on Fat" counteracting societal influences that support weight preoccupation connection between appearance standards for older women and large women nurturing your body resisting male-defined standards of beauty for women the myth of diets and dieting how the body resists weight loss how women are disempowered by concentration on weight and appearance how concentrating on appearance leaves real-life issues unaddressed how feeling bad about yourself can turn you into a willing consumerFeminists, faculty and students of women's studies programs, aging women, women of radical politics, and other concerned women and men will find that Fat--A Fate Worse Than Death? states explicitly how women are kept powerless by subscribing to cultural and social edicts on physical appearance. Don?t live silently in a society that degrades and discounts women because of their physical stature and don?t let obsession with thinness keep you passive, docile, and unable to give your energy to things that really need your passion and intelligence. Read this book and learn to not only value yourself for who you are, but also to counteract American culture's equality-denying prejudices and practices.

This book covers the entire spectrum of thyroid diseases in childhood, focusing on the recent advances that have been achieved, from progress in basic science research through to novel or improved approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Introductory chapters discuss thyroid embryogenesis and the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development. The two contrasting forms of thyroid dysfunction, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, are then considered in depth, with particular attention to the molecular causes of congenital hypothyroidism. Among the other topics addressed are autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and pediatric neoplasms. The book concludes with an overview of promising therapeutic approaches, such as stem cell therapy. Each topic is treated by an eminent expert in the field, ensuring consistently high quality. Thyroid Diseases in Childhood will be an important source of information for endocrinologists, pediatricians, oncologists, and gynecologists, as well as other professionals interested in this topic.

This book is the result of the study of metabolic and hormonal disorders in patients suffering obesity and diabetes mellitus, focusing on mechanisms of formation of atherosclerotic changes in the myocardium and vessels in diabetes mellitus patient.

The objective of this book is to provide recent information on neural regulation in the endocrine system in vertebrates. Classical studies have revealed that certain neurons synthesize and release chemical messengers into the vascular system. These neurons are endocrine devices that link the brain with the endocrine glands and other target organs. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the seat for chemical coordination and integration of en- vironmental and hormonal cues to modulate function of the pituitary gland, and conse- quently, the functions of other endocrine glands. Exciting information generated during the past few decades has resulted in profound alterations in the conceptual fabric of endo- crinology. From the wealth of information that emerged on neuropeptides of the central nervous system, and on the other connectivities of various brain centers, its has become clear that several extra-hypothalamic sites are also involved in regulation of hypophysial hormones. The brain has assumed a greater importance in the regulation of the endocrine sys- tem. However, recent studies have revealed varying degrees of functional autonomy in hy- pophysial hormone secretion, which may be due to intrapituitary cytokines. Although gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key regulator of gonadotropin secretion, there exists a GnRH receptor diversity in vertebrates such as the receptor presence in can- cer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated the multifactorial nature of the neuroendo- crine factors involved in growth hormone regulation in fish. On the other hand, in birds, thyrotropin-releasing hormone plays a major role in growth hormone release.