The human pancreas consists of two organs in one: the exocrine gland made up of pancreatic acinar cells and duct cells that produce digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate, respectively; the endocrine gland made up of four islet cells, namely alpha-, beta-, delta- and PP-cells that produce glucagon, insulin, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide, respectively. While the physiological role of exocrine p- creas is to secrete digestive enzyme responsible for our normal digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients, the endocrine pancreas is to secrete islet peptide h- mones maintaining our glucose homeostasis. The pancreatic functions are nely regulated by neurocrine, endocrine, paracrine and/or intracrine mechanisms. Thus, dysregulation of these pathways should have signi cant impacts on our health and disease. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms by which pancreatic functions are regulated remain poorly understood. Recent basic science and clinical studies con rm myriad physiological and pathophysiological roles of the tissue renin-angiotensin systems (RAS). Of parti- lar interest is the recent identi cation of a local and functional RAS in the pancreas, which in uences both its exocrine and endocrine function. Its role in the pat- genesis of pancreatic diseases including diabetes and pancreatitis is increasingly recognized, as is the therapeutic potential of RAS antagonism: RAS blockade l- its disease progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance, and may also protect against pancreatic in ammation.

The Fourth International Symposium on Cell Injury and Protection in the Gastrointestinal Tract: From Basic Sciences to Clinical Perspectives was held on 8-11 October, 1995 in Pecs, Hungary, under the auspices of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungarian Society of Gastroenterology (Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, Research Forum), International Union of Pharmacology, International Brain-Gut Society, Standing Committee of Ulcer Research and Medical University of Pecs. The main scientific programmes of the Fourth International Symposium on Cell Injury and Protection in the Gastrointestinal Tract are: general mechanisms of gastrointestinal injury and protection; cell injury and protection in the stomach; cell injury and protection in the small intestine and in the large intestine; cell injury and protection in the liver and pancreas; and cell injury and protection of the premalignant status and malignant diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. The presented papers are published in this book.

The Gastrointestinal Section of the International Union of Pharmacology (IUPHAR) was established in 1994 in Montreal, Canada. The establishment of the GI Section recognizes the international progress of gastrointestinal pharmacology, including basic and human studies. The Gastrointestinal Section of IUPHAR organized the first symposium, Biochemical Pharmacology as an Approach to Gastrointestinal Diseases: Basic Science to Clinical Perspectives, on 10-12 October, 1995, in Pecs, Hungary. The main topics covered include: gastrointestinal secretory and excretory functions; gastrointestinal mobility - biochemical-pharmacological mechanisms in neural and hormonal actions involved in GI functions; main normal and pathological biochemical mechanisms in GI functions; GI mucosal injury and protection; molecular mechanisms of premalignant and malignant diseases in GI tract; and the use of isolated cells and cell cultures in biochemical-pharmacological studies to approach GI diseases.

This series of pocketbooks sets out to provide easily-assimilable, essential information on the diagnosis and treatment of the most common medical conditions. This volume deals with reflux and oesophageal problems.

The second edition of "Clinical Dilemmas in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: New Challenges," is a practical, up-to-date handbook providing expert guidance on specific clinical dilemmas and areas of difficulty that the gastroenterologist regularly faces in day-to-day practice.

In this new edition, 75% of the "dilemmas" are brand new dilemmas facing the IBD specialist concerning emerging treatment therapies, such as the use of cannbinoids and Viagra for Crohn's disease. The remaining 25% of the dilemmas are fully updated from the previous edition, incorporating the latest clinical thinking.

Each of the 57 evidence-based chapters contains clear learning points, addresses different topics, and provides sound guidance on subjects ranging from optimizing current management through to special management problems and novel treatments.

This book is suitable for all medical professionals involved in the care of patients with IBD: established and trainee gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, specialist nurses, pharmacists, dieticians and counselors.

Single Incision Laparoscopic and Transanal Colorectal Surgery provide a comprehensive and state-of-the art review of single incision laparoscopic and transanal colorectal surgery. The text concentrates on surgical techniques and tricks in single incision laparoscopic and transanal surgery with detailed descriptions of the techniques, as well as indications and limitations of the procedures. The newly available evidence on these procedures is emphasized and all procedures are richly illustrated with diagrams and photos. Written by experts in their fields, Single Incision Laparoscopic and Transanal Colorectal Surgery is valuable resource for general surgeons, colon and rectal surgeons, laparoscopic GI surgeons, surgical residents and fellows in training interested in these two rapidly developing fields in colorectal surgery.

An overview of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is contained in this valuable two-volume publication. Chapters include discussions of experimental animal models for enteritis, colitis and colon cancer.
The clinical aspects of inflammatory bowel disease are presented, with sections describing symptoms and signs, fertility and pregnancy, special features of childhood disease, and disease in the elderly, and complications.
In addition, pathologic aspects are included, with chapters on the pathology of idiopathic ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and ultrastructure features. In summary, the therapy of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease is discussed especially for gatroenterologists, graduate students and clinicians from various disciplines involved in the management of its complications.

A comprehensive guide, Women's Health in IBD: The Spectrum of Care From Birth to Adulthood will help providers approach the specific issues that women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face throughout their lifetimes. This book will better equip providers to counsel and support women of all ages with IBD. In Women's Health in IBD, Drs. Bincy P. Abraham, Sunanda V. Kane, and Kerri L. Glassner focus on the unique aspects of care for women with IBD. Half of the IBD patient population is female. As we understand more about gender and sex differences in terms of genetics, physiology, and medical care, it is important to consider these factors between men and women to personalize their care. This book encompasses the entire life span of the female IBD patient through birth, adolescence, pregnancy, menopause, and older adult years. Each chapter includes discussions of medications, treatment plans, and common questions or controversies on important topics in IBD such as: Transitioning from pediatric to adult care Diet and nutrition Mental health Health maintenance Family planning Pregnancy and breastfeeding Menopause Concomitant irritable bowel syndrome Women's Health in IBD: The Spectrum of Care From Birth to Adulthood is an essential text that will help anyone who treats women with IBD, offering practical tools and takeaways for point of care and beyond.

This comprehensive treatise on cutting edge tools and research provides a fascinating insight into the rapidly evolving field of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Accomplished international researchers and clinicians discuss the latest endoscopic advances in diverse areas including obesity and associated metabolic syndromes, management of peripancreatic fluid collections, endoluminal suturing techniques, fistula closure, management of Barrett's epithelium, cholangioscopy, chromoendoscopy, high resolution manometry and endoscopic ultrasonography. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: New Technologies and Changing Paradigms is a valuable resource on the evolving role of endoscopic management of gastrointestinal diseases and is a tremendous resource for gastroenterologists, endoscopists, GI surgeons, and medical residents.

The fourth meeting in the very successful series Helicobacter pylori: Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Cure was held on the island of Bermuda in late March 2000 and was sponsored by Axcan Pharma. This was only some two years after the third meeting in San Diego, and it seemed hardly possible that there would be so much new information. However, as the contributions in this volume testify, there was plenty of exciting new information with important implications for both understanding this infection and for clinical management. Some of this information was of a fundamental nature, such as the role of the acid sensitive ureI channel in regulating the influx of urea and the formation of transported ammonia back in the microbial perisplasmic space to neutralize acid; the observation of genetic polymorphism of the IL-1beta gene as an explanation of achlorhydria and gastric cancer risk in the first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients; and the peculiar biochemical and physiological consequences of the genome of the microorganisms. The format of the meeting, with short fifteen-minute state-of-the-art presentations by world experts closely involved in Helicobacter research followed by ample time for panel discussions, was again followed this year. Traditional aspects included detailed study of the microbial characteristics, the novel Helicobacters, the interaction with the human host, the peculiarities of the inflammatory immune response, the short and long-term mucosal consequences, the effects on acid secretion, the problem of gastric malignancy, and the therapeutic possibilities. However, a series of short debates was introduced to highlight controversial issues, such as the pathogenic orcommensal role of the organism, the role of virulence factors, the characteristics of the inflammatory immune response, the reversibility of mucosal atrophy and metaplasia, and the primary or secondary role of quadruple therapy, to name just a few. This provocative approach was very successful and provided fuel for further in-depth discussions. These debates have been included in this book in the form of conventional manuscripts in order to maintain the shortest possible production time for the publication of the proceedings. Helicobacter pylori has come a long way since the first meeting in Amelia Island, in 1993, and the science of this organism and the understanding of the consequences of the infection have advanced our knowledge fundamentally and revolutionized our thinking about gastrointestinal disease. We now recognize the existence of more than thirty Helicobacter species, some of which may play a significant role in human disease. The experience gained through our investigation of H. pylori promises to make a significant contribution to the future exploration of the possible role of Helicobacter species in hepatic, biliary, and intestinal diseases.

Reduced port laparoscopic surgery is a fast-developing topic for the laparoscopic surgeon, with the emergence of a number of new techniques as well as new instruments.

Edited by surgeons who have pioneered the single-incision approach, this volume provides extensive information for the beginning surgeon, examining different operation techniques and covering the advantages and pitfalls of reduced port laparoscopic surgery. In addition, the text provides the foundation for new ideas to further develop skills for the advanced laparoscopic surgeon.

Self-expandable stents were initially placed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases but now play an integral role in the relief of benign and malignant obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system. Self-Expandable Stents in the Gastrointestinal Tract will familiarize the reader with the indications, techniques, and outcome following placement of expandable metal stents within the gastrointestinal tract. The volume covers all aspects of expandable stents including their composition, tissue responses, and placement techniques. In addition, placement using endoscopic and radiologic techniques is discussed. Unique illustrations allow the reader to gain knowledge that will improve their ability to care for their patients. The volume will serve as a comprehensive reference for all aspects of expandable stents. Self-Expandable Stents in the Gastrointestinal Tract will be extremely useful for physicians in the field of gastroenterology, endoscopy, and radiology, as well as gastrointestinal and thoracic surgeons whether they are in training or practice.

Do you want to feel happier, healthier, and younger? From impaired brain function to poor skin, weakened immunity to premature aging, your gut health affects more than just your digestive system. In fact, keeping it in balance can revolutionize your health and wellbeing. In this ground-breaking book, esteemed gastroenterologist Dr Roshini Raj outlines tried-and-tested methods to improve your gut health, and offers life-changing results. Sharing practical tips, developed over years of practice, Dr Raj covers everything from the food that we should be eating, to the probiotics, vitamins, and medicines that we should be taking. With Gut Renovation you can optimise your gut, renovate your body, and transform your health, for good.