The Hypothalamus is an important area of the brain for understanding a variety of neurological disorders. This volume summarizes for readers the anatomy and physiology of the anterior hypothalamus, to better understand pathology and treatment of hypothalamus related disorders. In addition to anatomy and physiology in humans, cytoarchitecture and chemoarchitecture in rodents is provided. The volume explores the role of the hypothalamus in disorders of eating, sleeping, anxiety, and mood, as well as its role in sexual behavior and gender identity. Coverage includes how Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders relate to the hypothalamus.

Recent years have seen spectacular advances in the field of circadian biology. These have attracted the interest of researchers in many fields, including endocrinology, neurosciences, cancer, and behavior. By integrating a circadian view within the fields of endocrinology and metabolism, researchers will be able to reveal many, yet-unsuspected aspects of how organisms cope with changes in the environment and subsequent control of homeostasis. This field is opening new avenues in our understanding of metabolism and endocrinology. A panel of the most distinguished investigators in the field gathered together to discuss the present state and the future of the field. The editors trust that this volume will be of use to those colleagues who will be picking up the challenge to unravel how the circadian clock can be targeted for the future development of specific pharmacological strategies toward a number of pathologies.

This volume starts with an elementary introduction covering stem cell methodologies used to produce specific types of neurons, possibilities for their therapeutic use, and warnings of technical problems. In addition the authors report successes in achieving the derivation of a specific type of neuron. The dopamine neuron offers an important example and is discussed in more detail. Additional chapters cover problems obviously approachable with cells derived from stem cells, including their need in surgeries for pituitary cancers. The last chapter provides an overview of this particular field of research and presents a vision for its future directions.

This book examines how post-transcriptional mechanisms control endocrine function. This includes newly identified regulatory mechanisms involved in hormone biosynthesis, control of hormone receptors and the outputs of hormone mediated signal transduction. Chapters address endocrine hormones including protein peptide/peptide, steroid, and non-steroidal hormones. The impacts of these mechanisms on disease and health are covered, providing a novel update to the scientific literature. Post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms play an essential role in controlling dynamic gene expression. The outcome of this regulation includes control of the amount, timing, and location of protein expression. Regulation is mediated by cis-acting RNA sequences and structures and transacting RNA binding proteins and non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs. Recent advances in characterization of these regulatory factors have revealed enormous regulatory potential.

This book presents the state of the art of type 2 diabetes genetics, from the process of genetic discovery to its interpretation and clinical application, and illustrates a model for other complex human phenotypes.The first section explores genome-wide association studies, the extension of this method to less accessible phenotypes and the arrival of next-generation sequencing. A further section goes beyond genetics to illustrate how other data sources can help interpret genetic data, such as leveraging population diversity, the correlation of genetic associations with physiological measurements, gene expression modulation, environmental factors and our microbial commensals. The third section describes advances in elucidating the complex path from association to function using in-depth sequencing and functional studies of the cellular and molecular effects of genes in the loci identified by genetics. The final section links our current understanding with clinically relevant questions, such as prediction, interactions with drugs or nutrients, and disease prevention, and paints a realistic but hopeful vision of the future.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient and an integral component of the thyroid hormones, which are required for normal growth and development. The iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) encompass a spectrum of adverse health effects including goiter, cretinism, hypothyroidism, growth retardation, and increased pregnancy loss and infant mortality. This volume summarizes the current understanding of the effects of iodine deficiency as well as iodine excess. It also discusses best practices for salt iodization, the mainstay of global IDD prevention efforts, and other forms of food fortification. The effectiveness of iodine supplementation for vulnerable populations, an evolving strategy in many regions, is also described. Low level environmental exposure to chemicals such as perchlorate and thiocyanate, which competitively block thyroidal iodine uptake, appears to be ubiquitous worldwide. There has been recent concern that such environmental exposures might pose a health hazard by inducing or aggravating underlying thyroid dysfunction. This up-to-date volume explores both the effects of iodine deficiency as well as the best strategies for IDD prevention.

The Third Edition of Medical Management of Thyroid Disease provides the most up-to-date practical guidance for the diagnosis and management of common and uncommon thyroid diseases. It reflects the advancement in guidelines and research for thyroid cancer, nodules and hypothyroidism; all presented in an accessible format with more illustrations and algorithms for management. The contributions of internationally renowned endocrinologists present the clinical aspects from the world's perspective. Key Features * Completely revised and updated * Reorganized with more algorithms for quick reference and enhanced usability * Edited by internationally renowned physicians in the field * Authoritative, comprehensive and yet easily digestible

Due to the resultant health consequences and considerable increase in prevalence, obesity has become a major worldwide health problem. "Obesity and Lipotoxicity" is a comprehensive review of the recent researches to provide a better understanding of the lipotoxicity-related mechanisms of obesity and the potential for the development of new treatment strategies. This book overviews the biochemical pathways leading to obesity-related metabolic disorders that occur subsequent to lipotoxicity. Chapters examine the deleterious effects of nutrient excess at molecular level including the cellular and molecular aspects of breast cancer, resistance to leptin, insulin, adiponectin, and interconnection between the circadian clock and metabolic pathways during high-fat feeding. "Lipotoxicity and Obesity" will be a useful resource for clinicians and basic science researchers, such as biochemists, toxicologists, immunologists, nutritionists, adult and pediatric endocrinologists, cardiologists, as well as students who are thought in this field.

Thyroid hormone plays an important role in development and functional maintenance in the central nervous system. Deficiency of thyroid hormone during fetal and early postnatal life induces abnormal development known as cretinism in humans. However, the molecular mechanism of thyroid hormone action has not yet been fully understood. Thyroid hormone action in the brain may be disrupted under various pathological conditions. In addition, environmental factors including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and bacterial endotoxins may disrupt thyroid hormone action in brain, causing abnormal brain development and functional disruption. This is a first book to comprehensively describe the effect of thyroid hormone disruption in the central nervous system. The first section deals with the disruption of thyroid hormone action at the molecular level. First the authors provide a summary of the possible molecular mechanisms of thyroid hormone action in the brain, then they discuss several factors that may disrupt thyroid hormone action. In the second section, animal models to study thyroid hormone action will be introduced. An interesting character of thyroid hormone deficiency is that, without thyroid hormone, the thyroid hormone receptor may act as a "repressor" of gene expression, causing more severe consequence than those of thyroid hormone receptor knockout animals. Thus, several different kind of animal models may be used to clarify the role of thyroid hormone and its receptor in the brain. In the third section, human studies on thyroid disease and neurodevelopment will be introduced. Although endemic cretinism induced by iodine deficiency and sporadic cretinism by various thyroid mutation are well known, the pathophysiological mechanisms that create each abnormal phenotype are not fully understood.

Iron Metabolism, Volume 110, the latest release in the Vitamins and Hormones series first published in 1943, covers the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology and enzyme mechanisms, with this release focusing on topics relating to hepcidin, bacterial infection, and iron overload, the role of heparan sulfates in hepcidin regulation, hepcidin CDNA and human gene sex hormones, growth factors and hepcidin, HFE gene polymorphisms and hereditary hemochromatosis, hepcidin and il-1beta, hepcidin-ferroportin axis, cardiomyocyte hepcidin, adipocyte iron, leptin and hepcidin, regulators of hepcidin expression, and much more.

Pancreatic islets make up the endocrine pancreas and they contain the only source of insulin in the body, beta cells. Hence, access to high quality preparations of pancreatic islets is fundamental for in vitro studies and to test pre-clinical applications in animal models in vivo. Access to healthy human islets is also crucial to improve transplantation procedures for diabetes. Given the susceptibility of pancreatic islets to the enzymatic digestion and mechanical stress required to obtain them, the isolation of islets is often considered as the delicate "work of a craftsman". This book, which is aimed at beginners and experts alike, is a survey of the current state-of-the-art in this field and it centres on the challenges, pitfalls and peculiarities of pancreatic islet isolation in the different species used in pre-clinical and clinical applications. It explores the similarities and differences between human islets and those from other relevant species (rodents, pigs and non-human primates), and how these influence islet isolation. The ultimate goal of this book is to improve the outcome of islet isolation and transplantation in pre-clinical and clinical applications.

Characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, metabolic syndrome is associated with the risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Obesity, which increases the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and subsequently leads to increased stress and inflammation, appears to play a central role in the progression of the syndrome. Evidence of inflammatory processes in accumulated fat appears to be an early initiator of metabolic syndrome. Likewise, the more active angiotensin system in obesity may contribute to even greater oxidative stress that serves as a key signaling event in vascular remodeling. These factors strengthen obesity's association with oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mechanisms in Obesity, Diabetes, and the Metabolic Syndrome is designed to encourage the development of evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological therapies that can attenuate the impact of obesity-induced insulin resistance and ensuing metabolic syndrome. The book offers a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the process. Edited by leading authorities on oxidative stress, the book's chapters report on cutting-edge research that explores intracellular events mediating or preventing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory processes in obesity and type 2 diabetes. It also brings together research on the molecular mechanisms inherent in the progression of metabolic stress, includes phenotypic perspectives, and discusses dietary factors, including the role of micronutrients. The chapter authors, each a leading expert in his or her field, discuss different components of metabolic stress and obesity and their associations with oxidative stress and inflammation. The book fills a unique role as a base of knowledge for researchers seeking to develop nutritional and or pharmacological therapies, as well as clinicians seeking a better understanding of this increasingly common dis

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of the key topics in these archetypal multidisciplinary fields. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.

In this concise, gold-standard 4th edition book, the volume editors and authors synthesize the prior three editions and provide a comprehensive and expanded review on the latest in the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules, as well as an update on parathyroid disease and non-endocrine lesions of the neck. This user-friendly edition again emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to thyroid ultrasound and UGFNA, offering all the new information and subtleties clinicians must know in the application of this technique, now firmly established as a primary tool for diagnosing and managing thyroid disease. Developed by renowned experts in thyroid and parathyroid disease, the book covers not only thyroid and parathyroid disease, but also imaging of the salivary glands and other non-endocrine lesions of the neck. In this edition, the authors expand the chapters on both surgical and non-surgical management. Given the increased use of molecular markers in thyroid evaluation, an excellent chapter addresses this topic. Finally, as more endocrinologists and surgeons perform ultrasounds in their office practices, a chapter on authoring ultrasound reports is now included. Combining the collective wisdom of specialists who treat patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer and parathyroid disease, Handbook of Thyroid and Parathyroid Ultrasound and Ultrasound-Guided FNA, 4th Edition is an invaluable resource and will continue serving as the "go to" guide for surgeons, endocrinologists, fellows and residents. Foreword by Peter A. Singer, MD, Chief of Clinical Endocrinology and Director, Thyroid Diagnostic Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA.

Any surgical intervention, elective or acute, may lead to postoperative complications. Moreover, the pertaining approach - laparoscopic or open - will probably not differ in the morbidity rate after surgery. Complications that occur after a surgical intervention can be classified as major or minor. Major complications to the digestive tract after surgery imply in most of cases a leakage of an anastomosis, bleeding in the abdominal cavity or in the tract, the appearance of intraperitoneal abscesses, or surgical site infections and wound dehiscence. These complications, depending on the organ affected, upper GI, HPB tract or colorectal, are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early suspicion and diagnosis, followed by an early and effective treatment is imperative in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Adequate treatment will involve a good coordination of the three disciplines involved in treatment: the surgeon, the intervention radiologist, and the gastroenterologist. Approach of these postoperative complications is changing constantly and these changes are not properly known by general and more specialized digestive surgeons daily involved in the treatment of these diseases. The proposal for this book is to offer a systematic description of the most frequent complications occurring in the three above mentioned parts of the digestive tract. In this way, the reader will have access to a practical book in which every current complication can be easily recognized, along with relevant information as guide for an adequate treatment.

This volume offers an up-to-date overview on the major areas of gynecological endocrinology, presenting the latest advances in adolescent gynecological endocrinology, assisted reproduction, menstrual-related disorders, sexuality and transsexualism, polycystic ovary syndrome, myometrial pathology and adenomyosis, obesity and metabolic syndrome, hormonal contraception, premature ovarian failure and menopause. In each chapter the recent advances deriving from basic science and clinical investigations are related to the practical management of the condition under consideration, taking into account the need for individualized therapies. The book is published within the ISGE Book Series, a joint venture between the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology and Springer and is based on the 2014 International School of Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology Winter Course. It will be an important tool for obstetricians and gynecologists, endocrinologists and experts in women's health as well as interested GPs.

​This book provides up-to-date information on all aspects of autoimmune pancreatitis, a unique form of pancreatitis characterized clinically by frequent presentation with obstructive jaundice and dramatic response to steroids, histologically by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with fibrosis, and radiologically by pancreatic enlargement. Current concepts regarding the disease and its classification into subtypes 1 and 2 are explained, and clinical, serological, and histopathological findings are carefully described. Imaging features on all the relevant modalities are illustrated, covering both the pancreas and other involved organs. Current and emerging therapeutic strategies, including steroids, immunomodulatory drugs, and rituximab, are then discussed. The reader will find the book to be an excellent aid to the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis and its differentiation from pancreatobiliary malignancies, as well as a clear guide to treatment.

Primary Aldosteronism (PA) is a disease caused by the overproduction of aldosterone hormone from the adrenal glands. PA causes hypertension and the majority with this disease are undiagnosed for PA. There are new insights into this matter by using biochemistry as well as advanced radiology. In 2011, a breakthrough in the genetic derangements came, identifying a mutated potassium channel gene - KCNJ5 - in about 40% of PA with adenoma. Chapters in this book include a history of the disorder, epidemiology, genetics derangements, the KCNJ5 mutations and phenotype and more.

The purpose of the The Active Female: Health Issues Throughout the Lifespan, 2nd Edition is twofold: (1) to increase the awareness of wellness and fitness issues for active females and their family members; and (2) to provide an avenue for medical practitioners, allied health professionals, health educators, and certified individuals in sports medicine to gain critical, updated knowledge of a field specific to active females. Part I of the book offers a foundation to help the reader understand the interrelationship among body image concerns, the female reproductive cycle, and musculoskeletal anatomy/physiology of females that makes their health risks and concerns unique. Reproductive health is discussed by a prominent researcher in reproduction/endocrinology. An overview of the Female Athlete Triad which is a syndrome of three interrelated conditions (isordered eating, menstrual disturbances and bone loss) is presented in Part II. Physicians and certified professionals in sports medicine discuss the individual components of the triad, relating not only to the athletic female but also to the recreationally active woman throughout the lifespan. In Part III, Prevention and management of common musculoskeletal injuries is addressed by a female orthopedic surgeon who sub-specializes in treating female athletes. Finally, appropriate exercise and nutritional guidelines for active females are discussed in Parts IV-V of the book by certified professionals and licensed physicians in sports medicine. An invaluable addition to the literature, The Active Female: Health Issues Throughout the Lifespan, 2nd Edition will be of great interest to physicians, allied health care practitioners, medical/other wellness educators, and students who are interested in advancing women's health issues. Sports medicine specialists, family practitioners, gynecologists, team physicians, residents in sports medicine, athletic trainers, health educators, nurses, physicians assistants, physical therapists, sport psychologists, counselors, athletic trainers, and other members of the sports medicine team should also find this title of significant interest.

Endocrinology, and diabetes care in particular, is a dynamic field where clinicians must translate new evidence into clinical practice at a rapid pace. Designed in an engaging, case-based format, Endocrinology and Diabetes: A Problem Oriented Approach offers a wide range of thought-provoking case studies that reflect contemporary, challenging, hands-on clinical care. Further, by providing a list of specific clinical problems, this format offers the reader a more convenient and pointed way to solve precise clinical problems in a timely manner. Developed by a renowned, international group of experts, this comprehensive title covers the most common clinical problems in endocrinology and diabetes and should be of great interest to endocrinologists, diabetologists, internal medicine physicians, family physicians, fellows, and residents.

Androgens play a critical role in the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system and affect important physiological processes and pathological conditions, including the homeostasis of the normal prostate and prostate cancer. Androgen Action: Methods and Protocols is designed to provide a tool box to study various phases of androgen action, from its entry to the cell to the phenotypic response that the cell mounts, with up-to-date techniques for biochemists, molecular biologists, cell biologists, geneticists, and pathologists. The volume opens with a brief review of the research history on androgen action and prostate carcinogenesis, followed by chapters that cover state-of-the-art methods to determine androgen levels in biological tissues and fluids, experimental procedures to study the various aspects of androgen receptor activity, and methodology to study salient examples of interactions between androgen signalling and other major signalling pathways in cells. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) 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, Androgen Action: Methods and Protocols provides a comprehensive overview of, and practical guidance on, the diverse methodologies that are propelling androgen action research forward, both for normal physiology as well as in disease states.

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.

Defining and understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms that are relevant to women's health has become a critical area of scientific pursuit. Until recently, very little effort has been place on defining or understanding critical differences between women and men that may be critical to the overall health of the woman. In 1990, the National Institutes of Health recognized this gap in knowledge resulting in the creation of the Office of Research on Women's Health. One of the purposes of this office was to advance the understanding of health issues from the women's perspective from both a basic and clinical scientific perspective. From a scientific evolution of understanding, the existence of this office is new and thus there has not been enough time for new information to integrate itself in our current scientific thought process. This book will seek to capture and disseminate our current understanding of scientific advancements relevant to women's health and provide the information to a broad audience. The purpose of this work is to discuss recent advancements in basic science across three areas of concern for women's health. In addition, the book will provide "translational" chapters that attempt to place the basic science work in context within our current understanding of the human. Although it is well acknowledge that gender differences exist across organ function which translates into differences in whole body function, until recently little effort has been made to define basic mechanisms within various tissues within the woman. This work will focus on recent scientific findings that are relevant to women's health and to provide novel and relevant information to interested scientists and clinicians.