Obesity and diabetes develop as a complex result of genetic, metabolic and environmental factors and are characterized by increased lipogenesis and lipid accumulation in many tissues. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) genes are a critical regulator of lipogenesis and catalyzes the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), mainly oleoyl- (18:1n9) and palmitoleoyl-CoA (16:1n7). These MUFAs are the major fatty acid substrates for the synthesis of triglycerides, cholesterol esters, wax esters and membrane phospholipids. There are 4 SCD isoforms (SCD1-4) in mice and two (hSCD1 and hSCD5) expressed in humans. At first glance, stearoyl-CoA desaturase enzyme would be considered a housekeeping enzyme because it synthesizes oleate a well-known fatty acid that is abundant in many dietary sources. However numerous studies have shown that SCD is a very highly regulated enzyme that features in so many physiological processes ranging from fat differentiation, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, inflammation and cancer. The editor's studies using stearoyl-CoA desaturase knockout (SCD1-/-) mice and studies of other investigators using pharmacological approaches to reduce SCD1 expression in mouse tissues have all established that the expression of SCD1 gene isoform represents a key step in partitioning of lipids between storage and oxidation. High SCD expression favors fat storage leading to obesity while reduced SCD expression favors fat burning and leanness. Although these studies clearly illustrated that SCD1 expression is involved in the development of obesity and insulin resistance, questions remain in the elucidation of the mechanisms involved and role of SCD1. This book includes chapters by leading researchers on SCD Genes in the brain, heart, muscle, liver metabolism, Colitis, and more.

Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Endocrinology: Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Management systematically examines the normal and abnormal endocrinology of the pregnant and lactating female and of the fetus and neonate. This reference volume expands coverage of specific disorders and diseases beyond the current endocrinology content on the market, which in most cases has a paragraph or no mention at all about pregnancy or aspects of fetal/neonatal development.

This issue of Critical Care Clinics, Guest Edited by Dr. Rinaldo Bellomo, focuses on Modern Critical Care Endocrinology. Article topics include: Diabetes insipidus and SIADH in the ICU; Estrogen therapy in ICU patients; The angiotensin family, ACE and ACE 2; Angiotensin II in vasodilatory shock; Vasopressin in vasodilatory shock; Hydrocortisone in vasodilatory shock; Erythropoietin in trauma and critical illness; HbA1c and permissive hyperglycemia in diabetic ICU patients; Osteoporosis and the critically ill patient; New oral agents for the treatment of diabetes; Melatonin in critical care; The incretins in ICU patients; Hepcidin; Thyroid hormone therapy in the ICU; and Hormonal therapy in organ donors.

Serotonin: The Mediator That Spans Evolution provides a comprehensive review of the widespread roles for serotonin in respiratory, cardiovascular and thermoregulatory control, and for growth and development in early life. This important resource highlights serotonin's role in normal (unstressed) conditions, and in response to a variety of physiological stressors. It focuses on new animal models, comparing and contrasting data from mice and rats. In addition, the book compares and contrasts the physiological effects of brain and blood serotonin systems and includes new data suggesting that the influence of serotonin is in part through the regulation of gene expression. Finally, it discusses the role of serotonin system dysfunction in a variety of pathophysiological conditions, including sleep apnea, obesity and hypertension, and presents compelling evidence that this dysfunction is involved in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Obesity: Oxidative Stress and Dietary Antioxidants cover the science of oxidative stress in obesity and associated conditions, including metabolic syndrome, bariatric surgery, and the potentially therapeutic usage of natural antioxidants in the diet or food matrix. The processes within the science of oxidative stress are not described in isolation, but in concert with other processes, such as apoptosis, cell signaling and receptor mediated responses. This approach recognizes that diseases are often multifactorial and oxidative stress is but a single component. The book is designed for nutritionists, dietitians, food scientists, physicians and clinical workers, health care workers and research scientists.

Oxidants, Antioxidants and Impact of the Oxidative Status in Male Reproduction is an essential reference for fertility practitioners and research and laboratory professionals interested in learning about the role of reactive oxygen species in sperm physiology and pathology. The book focuses on unravelling the pathophysiology of oxidative stress mediated male infertility, recruiting top researchers and clinicians to contribute chapters. This collection of expertise delves into the physico-chemical aspects of oxidative stress, including a new focus on reductive stress. Furthermore, the inclusion of clinical techniques to determine oxidative stress and the OMICS of reductive oxidative stress are also included. This is a must-have reference in the area of oxidative stress and male reproductive function.