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.

The sustained skin research efforts over the past decades has led to the accumulation of a significant collection of information on skin structure and physiology as well as on the pathogenesis of cutaneous diseases. In Molecular Dermatology: Methods and Protocols, leading experts in the field provide a collection of state-of-the-art reliable protocols covering a wide spectrum of techniques and experimental models, specific molecular assays and disease models, as well as overviews of diagnostic and research areas relevant to molecular dermatology. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and authoritative, Molecular Dermatology: Methods and Protocols emphasizes the vital importance of skin research and collects the methodologies necessary to aid scientists in moving forward in this valuable field.

This volume presents key topics of current interest with regard to several pathophysiological conditions including (a) the basic and clinical aspects of bradykinin receptor antagonists, (b) the kallikrein-kinin pathways in hypertension and diabetes, (c) tissue kallikrein-kinin therapy for hypertension and organ damage, (d) the renal (tissue) kallikrein-kinin system in the kidney and novel potential drugs for salt-sensitive hypertension, (e) the kallikrein-kinin system in diabetes retinopathy, and (f) genetic manipulation and genetic variation of the kallikrein-kinin system and their impacts on cardiovascular and renal disease. Written by internationally reputed scientists, the book provides an essential overview of the latest developments in the field of kinin research, making it a valuable asset for endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, ophthalmologists and rheumatologists. Furthermore, it is also intended for postgraduate students in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, physiology and pharmacology, and those working at research organizations.

Understanding the influence and interaction between physical activity and the endocrine system are of paramount importance in dealing with a multitude of health problems. In Endocrinology of Physical Activity and Sport, renowned physicians and researchers provide a comprehensive and expanded update on the scientific, clinical and practical components of endocrinology as related to sport and exercise. The authors thoroughly review what is known about how such activity effects the endocrine system and how in turn these hormonal responses affect many other organs and systems of the body. In addition, aspects of endocrinology in non-glandular tissue which have endocrine actions are addressed; for example, adipocytes and the release of leptin and related adipocytokines. Further, a wide range of clinically related topics such as athletic amenorrhea, osteopenia, sarcopenia, and hypogonadism are included. This new edition critically integrates what is known about the complex interaction of the endocrine system in the sports context and will again prove immensely valuable to all physicians and clinical investigators treating those active in sports today.

In recent years, human studies have made enormous contributions towards an understanding of the genetic basis of diabetes mellitus; however, most of the experimentation needed for the invention and testing of novel therapeutic approaches cannot be performed in humans. Thus, there is no alternative to appropriate animal models. In Animal Models in Diabetes Research, expert researchers explore the current status of the most important models and procedures in order to provide a timely resource in experimental diabetology. The first half of the volume serves as a comprehensive overview on our current knowledge of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of diabetes in animal models through a series of reviews in model strains. The book then continues with vital, established protocols that are employed in the characterization and study of animal models of diabetes. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series, this work contains the type of detailed description and key implementation advice necessary to achieve successful results. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Animal Models in Diabetes Research delivers essential content that will be an important resource to advance diabetes research in the years to come.

It is a pleasure to introduce this new book, Clinical and Pathological Aspects of Skin Diseases in Endocrine, Metabolic, Nutritional, and Deposition Disease, edited by two of my friends and respected colleagues, Franco Rongioletti and Bruce R. Smoller. In fact, I was very ent- siastic when I learned that they were preparing this work. Although endocrine, metabolic, w, and deposition diseases are regularly included in general textbooks of dermatology and d- matopathology, one gains the general impression that these topics receive little emphasis and are mainly included for completeness. The prospect of having all of this information in one volume, lovingly described and detailed by experts in the feld, should be of great interest not only to dermatologists, pathologists, and dermatopathologists but also to internists and en- crinologists, who may well gain a different perspective on these disorders. As a derma- pathologist, I am also pleased that this project has been organized and undertaken by two distinguished authorities in cutaneous pathology. This assures a close integration of histo- thology and other laboratory techniques with the clinical aspects of these disorders, which will make it possible - perhaps for the frst time - to view these conditions in a truly comprehensive way. So I invite you, the reader, to open this volume and dig in; be prepared for an eye-catching, intellectually stimulating, and ultimately rewarding experience! Charlottesville, VA James W. Patterson v w Foreword II Dermatopathology is a bridge between Dermatology and Pathology.

This book serves as a comprehensive resource on toxicants that can be released from food packaging materials and household plastics. Chapters include sources and levels of chemical exposure, known and suspected health effects and the identification of data gaps with recommendations for further research. In addition, regulatory approaches and risk assessment challenges in the United States and Europe are discussed. Chapters cover both the more widely known chemicals that can migrate from food packaging (bisphenol A, perfluorinated chemicals), and household plastics (lead, phthalates, brominated flame retardants), as well as chemicals that are just entering use in food packaging (nanomaterials in polymer food packaging) and chemicals recently identified as migrating from food packaging to food stuffs (phthalates, benzophenones, antimony, methylnaphthalene and the alkylphenols nonylphenol and octylphenol). Chapters on phthalates and brominated flame retardants discuss challenges that arise with the use of replacement chemicals. The health effect sections of chapters have drawn on a wide variety of toxicological endpoints and recommend approaches to better assess toxicological risks in vulnerable human populations. Reflecting the global nature of our food supply and household consumer goods, contributions have been drawn from international experts. A wide range of scientists will find this book to be useful, including toxicologists, environmental health scientists, food scientists, and regulators.

This is a timely and informative updated edition for all health care providers challenged with helping patients manage weight. Similar to the well-reviewed first edition, this updated title is directed toward individuals who wish to read further about targeted topics, rather than find an introduction to the field. This second edition again provides insights into recent scientific advances in obesity research and provides the most up-to-date instruction about current treatment issues and strategies for both adults and children. While several of the chapters are no longer relevant from the first edition, other topics have emerged as interesting and current. This edition will keep the two-section format of Physiology and Pathophysiology and Clinical Management, but it increases the first section to 10 chapters and reduces the second section to 12 chapters. The plan is to keep this edition in the range of about 350 to 400, maximum, printed pages. The volume is again divided into two parts. Part 1 covers new discoveries in the physiological control of body weight, as well as the pathophysiology of obesity. Expert authors discuss pathways that control food intake, energy expenditure and peripheral nutrient metabolism, including a look at the emerging evidence of the role of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ. Part 2 covers all the key issues central to clinical management, including recent developments in the epidemiology of obesity, assessment of the obese patient, behavioral strategies in weight management, dietary modification as a weight management strategy, physical activity as a weight management strategy, weight loss drugs, surgical approaches to obesity and other important clinical topics. An essential, practical text that sorts, synthesizes and interprets the latest information on obesity-related topics, this second edition will be an essential resource for clinical endocrinologists and other health care providers across a broad spectrum of specialties.

This book's aim is to increase the awareness of a great variety of posttranslational modifications in the male and female reproductive system. Some of the most intriguing reproductive strategies, mechanisms, and pathways involving PTM are discussed, with an added angle of evolutionary conservation and diversity. The book also chapters on sperm-egg binding, as well as on histone modification in both the embryo and sperm. Chapters are also devoted to protein ubiquitination, the regulation of sperm function during fertilization in mammals and tubulin modifications in gametes and embryos. There are no other current books on posttranslational protein modifications as they relate to reproduction, making this contribution unique in the field. It is useful for both researchers and graduate students alike.

In theoretical terms, sex differences in brains and behaviors of laboratory animals offer the possibility of fascinating scientific studies on a range of molecular phenomena such as genomic imprinting, DNA methylation, chromatin protein modification, non-coding DNA, potentially resulting in important neuroanatomical and neurochemical sex differences in the brain. Such sex differences could arise consequent to exposures to testosterone early in development, or to other effects deriving from the Y chromosome. However, this general subject has been treated with much hyperbole. Historically, sex differences were assumed to be present where they did not really exist, e.g. with respect to mathematics, executive leadership, etc. etc. Under what circumstances do we really care about sex differences in brain and behavior? These circumstances concern human maladies whose diagnoses are much different between boys and girls, or between women and men. Prominent examples discussed in this volume include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In fact, infant boys are more susceptible than infant girls to a variety of disorders that arise early in development. This volume then ends with a consideration of effects of estrogenic hormones on the injured brain, and their roles as protective agents.

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.

In the past four years, many genetic loci have been implicated for BMI from the outcomes of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), primarily in adults. Insulin-induced gene 2 (INSIG2) was the first locus to be reported by this method to have a role in obesity but replication attempts have yielded inconsistent outcomes. The identification of the second locus, the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene (FTO), h has been more robustly observed by others. Studies from both FTO knock out and FTO overexpression mouse model support the fact that FTO is directly involved in the regulation of energy intake and metabolism in mice, where the lack of FTO expression leads to leanness while enhanced expression of FTO leads to obesity. Along with numerous other studies, a number of genetic variants have been established robustly in the context of obesity, giving us fresh insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. This book will give a comprehensive overview of efforts aimed at uncovering genetic variants associated with obesity, which have been particularly successful in the past 5 years with the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This book will cover this state of the art technology and its application to obesity in great detail. Topics covered will include genetics of childhood obesity, genetics of syndromic obesity, copy number variants and extreme obesity, co-morbidities of obesity genetics, and functional follow-up of genetic variants.

Bone Drugs in Pediatrics brings together in one place the evidence for the use of certain drugs in the treatment and prevention of bone loss in children, as well as the reservations still present in the pediatric community regarding their use. Beginning with a discussion of developmental pharmacokinetics and drug development for pediatric diseases where bone loss occurs, such as osteogenesis imperfecta, the physiology of pediatric bone and how best to monitor the safety and efficacy of these drugs is presented. The pros and cons of utilizing the drugs themselves - such as bisphosphonates, antiresorptives and anabolic agents - within the pediatric population are carefully considered, with an eye toward safe and effective integration. The potential use of drugs in future treatment is also highlighted. On the whole, Bone Drugs in Pediatrics is a cogent presentation of the ongoing debate surrounding the potential for pharmacological interventions in pediatric bone loss.