Primary care clinicians are called on to care for adolescents in a time with increasing pharmacologic agents that are available in the management of these patients. The emphasis in this book is on the current pharmacologic treatment of common medical disorders in adolescents. Selected topics of practical relevance in adolescent medicine are covered. The goal of this book is to provide a succinct and practical guide specifically written for practicing physicians and allied health professionals who work with adolescents.

Genotoxicity and DNA Repair: A Practical Approach provides a key reference for determining how to analyze the genotoxic activity of molecules or materials and, at the same time, serves as a useful tool for researchers in the Environmental Mutagenesis and DNA Repair fields. Focused on genotoxicity assays recommended by the "OECD guidelines for the testing of chemicals", this volume also covers other useful assays, such as some gene mutation assays, the comet assay in different species and applications, and the SMART assays of Drosophila. For all the assays, the book presents brief theoretical introductions to the topics and updated standard and modified step-by-step protocols to perform them. Special emphasis is placed on the analysis of nanoparticles, including an integrative approach analysis. The DNA Repair section includes several assays that provide information on repair activity in vitro and in vivo, as well as recent applications to study DNA repair in humans, cell cultures, and animal models. As a volume in the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, the chapters contain the kind of detail and key implementation advice that ensures reproducible results in the lab. Authoritative and invaluable, Genotoxicity and DNA Repair: A Practical Approach aims to aid scientists in their pursuit of forwarding this vital field of study.

In this Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology on "High Density Lipoproteins - from biological understanding to clinical exploitation" contributing authors (members of COST Action BM0904/HDLnet) summarize in more than 20 chapters our current knowledge on the structure, function, metabolism and regulation of HDL in health and several diseases as well as the status of past and ongoing attempts of therapeutic exploitation. The book is of interest to researchers in academia and industry focusing on lipoprotein metabolism, cardiovascular diseases and immunology as well as clinical pharmacologists, cardiologists, diabetologists, nephrologists and other clinicians interested in metabolic or inflammatory diseases.

Computational methods, and in particular quantum chemistry, have taken the lead in our growing understanding of noncovalent forces, as well as in their categorization. This volume describes the current state of the art in terms of what we now know, and the current questions requiring answers in the future. Topics range from very strong (ionic) to very weak (CH-- ) interactions. In the intermediate regime, forces to be considered are H-bonds, particularly CH--O and OH--metal, halogen, chalcogen, pnicogen and tetrel bonds, aromatic stacking, dihydrogen bonds, and those involving radicals. Applications include drug development and predictions of crystal structure.

The demand for traditional medicines, herbal health products, herbal pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food supplements and herbal cosmetics etc. is increasing globally due to the growing recognition of these products as mainly non-toxic, having lesser side effects, better compatibility with physiological flora, and availability at affordable prices. In the last century, medical science has made incredible advances all over the globe. In spite of global reorganization and a very sound history of traditional uses, the promotion of traditional medicine faces a number of challenges around the globe, primarily in developed nations. Regulation and safety is the high concern for the promotion of traditional medicine. Quality issues and quality control, pharmacogivilane, scientific investigation and validation, intellectual property rights, and biopiracy are some key issues that restrain the advancement of traditional medicine around the globe. This book contains diverse and unique chapters, explaining in detail various subsections like phytomolecule, drug discovery and modern techniques, standardization and validation of traditional medicine, and medicinal plants, safety and regulatory issue of traditional medicine, pharmaceutical excipients from nature, plants for future. The contents of the book will be useful for the academicians, researchers and people working in the area of traditional medicine.

Non-clinical drug safety evaluation, the assessment of the safety profile of therapeutic agents through the conduct of laboratory studies in in vitro systems and in animals, is an essential step in the progress of new pharmaceuticals heading toward the ultimate goal of clinical trials and, eventually, approval. In Drug Safety Evaluation: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers detail a compendium of analytical technologies with a focus on clarity and applicability in real life laboratory practice. These meticulous contributions feature key topics such as acute to chronic general toxicity studies, histopathology studies, reproductive toxicity studies, genotoxicity studies, safety pharmacology studies, investigative toxicity studies, and safety biomarker studies. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology(TM) series, chapters include brief introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and authoritative, Drug Safety Evaluation: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to this field, helpful to pharmaceutical scientists, toxicologists, biochemists, and molecular biologists as well as scientists from all other disciplines who wish to translate these thorough methods into their own work.

This book approaches the subject from a mechanistic perspective that pitches the language at a level that is understandable to those entering the field and who are not familiar with its common phrases or complex terms. It provides a simple encapsulation of concepts and expands on them. In each chapter the basic concept is explained as simply and clearly as possible without a great deal of detail, then in subsequent sections additional material, exceptions to the general rule, examples, etc., is introduced and built up. Such material was generously supplemented with diagrams; conceptually elegant line diagrams in two or three colors. The artwork was well thought out and able to condense the scientific principles into a novel and visually exciting form. The diagrams encourage browsing or draw the reader to salient points. In addition, the technique of highlighting key concepts in a separate box is used throughout each chapter.

This second edition is a one-source guide to current information about red blood cell physiology and the action of native and recombinant human erythropoietic factors. Topics in the fields of erythropoiesis, recombinant protein discovery and production, and treatment of patients with anemia due to renal failure, cancer, or chronic diseases are covered. The newest theories in erythropoiesis (receptors, signaling), manufacturing, new formulations, and clinical research are discussed.

This book is of interest to researchers and clinical investigators in academia and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, to clinical research associates, clinical monitors, and physician investigators.

This thorough volume delves into antiepileptic drug discovery with a comprehensive collection of innovative approaches for the development of antiepileptic therapies, focusing on novel molecular targets for antiepileptic drugs, computer-aided approaches for the identification of new drug candidates, and therapeutic strategies to overcome refractory epilepsy. The last section illustrates the potential benefits that network pharmacology and rational drug repurposing could bring to the antiepileptic drug discovery community. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice to ensure results in the laboratory. Authoritative and practical, Antiepileptic Drug Discovery: Novel Approaches aims to provide medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and other researchers with the tools need to further explore the study of pharmacoresistant epilepsy and the discovery of new antiepileptic drugs.

Metals: Methylmercury Neurotoxicity and its Uptake Action Across the BloodBrain Barrier (M. Aschner et al.). Neurotoxic Metals and Neuronal Signalling Processes (D. Minnema). Lead Poisoning, Toxocariasis and Pica (P.J. Donovick, R.G. Burright). Nocardia (B.L. Beaman). Toxicants: Neurotoxicity of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (R.F. Seegal, W. Shain). Central Nervous System Plasticity and Pathology Induced by Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides (D.H. Overstreet, G. Schiller). Silver Ipregnation of OrganophosphorusInduced Delayed Neuropathy in the Central Nervous System (D. Tanaka et al.). Selected Mechanisms of Action: Acute and Chronic Neurodegenerative Disorders Produced by Dietary Excitotoxins (C.F. Zorumski, J.W. Olney). Formation of Excess Reactive Oxygen Species Within the Brain (S.C. Bondy, C.P. LeBel). Legal Issues: Courts, Agencies, and Social Risk Assessment (C.P. Gillette, J.E. Krier) 7 additional articles. Index.

Malaria has defeated previous efforts at eradication and remains a massive global public health problem despite being readily preventable and treatable. It is a devastating disease that also extracts huge economic costs from the poorest countries in endemic regions. Starting with an overview of the disease and its current political, financial and technical context, this Milestones in Drug Therapy volume describes the history, chemistry, mechanisms of action and resistance, preclinical and clinical use, pharmacokinetics and safety and tolerability of the current range of antimalarial drugs. There is particular emphasis on artemisinins and related peroxides, as these drugs have now become the frontline treatment for malaria. Next generation antimalarials, molecular markers for detecting resistance, the importance of diagnostics and disease prevention are also covered in detail.

The book covers theoretical background and methodology as well as all current applications of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR). Written by an international group of recognized researchers, this edited volume discusses applications of QSAR in multiple disciplines such as chemistry, pharmacy, environmental and agricultural sciences addressing data gaps and modern regulatory requirements. Additionally, the applications of QSAR in food science and nanoscience have been included - two areas which have only recently been able to exploit this versatile tool. This timely addition to the series is aimed at graduate students, academics and industrial scientists interested in the latest advances and applications of QSAR.

In this book we present recent studies that have been carried out on some widely used medicinal plants. The need for new and alternative treatments stem from the lack of efficiency of existing remedies for certain illnesses. We have compiled information that may be useful to researchers in their quest to develop new drugs.

Contents

Philip C. Sharpe, Rosemary S. Harrison, and David P. Fairlie: Amyloid Peptides and Proteins in Review. - Marilena Kampa, Artemissia-Phoebe Nifli, George Notas, Elias Castanas: Polyphenols and Cancer Cell Growth. - Michal Janitz: Assigning Functions to Genes The Main Challenge of the Post-Genomic Era. - Brigittte M. Jockusch, Kai Murk and Martin Rothkegel: The Profile of Profilins.

Traditional medicinal knowledge, especially the use of ethnomedicinal plants in developing countries, has been passed down for generations. Today, however, scientists are poised to combine traditional medicinal plants and modern drug discoveries to further develop essential products that have followed the leads of indigenous cures used for centuries. Ethnomedicinal Plant Use and Practice in Traditional Medicine provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of indigenous knowledge and therapeutic potential within ethnobotany. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as drug discovery, traditional knowledge, and herbal medicine, this book is ideally designed for doctors, healers, medical professionals, ethnobotanists, naturalists, academicians, researchers, and students interested in current research on the medical use and applications of natural-based resources.

The International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) has worked on har- nizing the stability regulations in the US, Europe, and Japan since the early 1990s. Even though the Stability Guidelines Q1A (R2) was issued over a decade ago, issues surrounding this arena continue to surface as the principles described in the guideline are applied to different technical concentrations. As a result, the stability community has continued to discuss concerns and find ways of harmonizing regulatory requirements, streamlining practices, improving processes in order to bring safe and effective medical supplies to the patients around the world. In 2007, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Stability Focus Group organized two workshops - the Stability Workshop and the Degradation Mechanism Workshop. These meetings attracted many industry scientists as well as representatives from several regulatory agencies in the world to discuss important topics related to pharmaceutical stability practices. Recognizing the importance of documenting these discussions and with the permission of AAPS, I have worked with speakers to assemble a collection of 30 articles from presentations given at these two meetings, mainly the Stability Workshop. I trust that this book will be beneficial to all of you in providing guidance and up-to-date information for building quality stability programs. v Freedom of our mind is Mother of all inventions.

This book addresses the phenomenology, demographics, and neurobehavioral aspects of suicidal behavior and its risk factors, underscoring common neurobehavioral threads among different approaches which may underlie such extreme behavior. It additionally provides an overview of new approaches, such as imaging techniques to identify at-risk individuals or in response to drug treatment associated with suicidal behavior, neurodevelopmental approaches, genetic and epigenetic linkages to suicidal behavior, animal models of specific risk factors, as well as potential biomarkers being employed to help assess risk.

Inflammation has invaded the field of psychiatry. The finding that cytokines are elevated in various affective and psychotic disorders brings to the forefront the necessity of identifying the precise research domain criteria (RDoCs) that inflammation is responsible for. This task is certainly the most advanced in major depressive disorders. The reason is that a dearth of clinical and preclinical studies has demonstrated that inflammation can cause symptoms of depression and conversely, cytokine antagonists can attenuate symptoms of depression in medical and psychiatric patients with chronic low grade inflammation. Important knowledge has been gained on the symptom dimensions that inflammation is driving and the mechanisms of action of cytokines in the brain, providing new targets for drug research and development. The aim of the book "Inflammation-Associated Depression" is to present this field of research and its implications in a didactic and comprehensive manner to basic and clinical scientists, psychiatrists, physicians, and students at the graduate level.

This book brings together physicians, scientists and those concerned with the production and use of anti-inflammatory drugs to discuss basic issues affecting all aspects of side-effects, including their detection and treatment. The chapters cover a wide variety of topics including the epidemiology, clinical and experimental aspects of side-effects in the GI tract, liver, kidney, cartilage, bone and skin as well as the problems associated with the newer range of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate and cyclosporin. This book should be of interest to all those who develop and use anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, from basic scientists to clinicians. It contains papers presented at the Third International meeting on "Side-Effects of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs" held in Verona, Italy, 8-11 May 1991.

Theintentionofthisbookistoprovideacomprehensiveandcontemporaryreview ofthebiologyofsensorynerves. InkeepingwiththethemeoftheHandbookof Experimental Pharmacology series, emphasis will be placed on the actions of drugs,transmittersandautacoidsthatinitiateorinhibitsensorynerveactivation (through actionsonionchannelsandreceptorsattheirperipheralterminals)or modulate the release or actions of the transmitters released from the central terminalsofsensorynerves. Onthebasisofextensivesupportiveevidenceinthe literature, it is our view that many diseases are characterized by alterations in sensorynervefunction(e. g. pain,cardiovasculardiseaseandmigraine). Itisour beliefthatthisbookwillbeunique,asitwillcomprehensivelycovertheroleof sensory nerves across many therapeutic areas. To address directly one of the editorialboardqueries,thisisnotintendedtobeabookaboutthepharmacology ofpain. Thatsaid,tomostpharmacologists,painisthemostobviousindicationfor aroleorsensorynervesindisease. Webelievethatthelessonslearntfromthestudy ofneuropathicpainwillbeinvaluableforresearchersintheothertherapeuticareas covered inthisvolume. Sincemostinterest hasfocusedontheroleofsensory nervesinneuropathicpain,wehaveaddedanumberofchaptersdevotedtothis subject. Thebookisorganizedinthreeparts,coveringthetypesandrolesofsensory nervesinsomaticandvisceraldisorders(PartI),speci?ctargetsonsensorynerves relevanttopainandvisceraldisorders(PartII)andadescriptionofcurrentand futuretherapeuticstrategiesfortargetingsensorynerves(PartIII). The?rsttwochaptersinPartIaredevotedtodescribingtheclinicalfeaturesof neuropathicpainandvisceralpain. Ourintentionisfortheauthorstoprovidea clinicalviewpointonthefeaturesoftheseconditionsandtheadvantages/disadv- tagesofcurrenttreatmentmodalities. Thenext?vechaptersinPartIfocusonthe roleofsensorynervesinotherpathologicalconditions. Severalcommonthemes willemergeinthispart,includingthemodeofsensorynerveactivationinvarious tissues and organs, the alterations in sensory nerve excitability associated with disease,andtheimportanceofin?ammationandin?ammatorymediatorsininiti- ingalteredsensorynervefunctionindisease. v vi Preface Whilstthe?rstpartfocusesontheclinicaland/orsystemsphysiology,PartIIhas itsfocusatthecellandmolecularlevel. Thisparthighlightsthecurrentundersta- ingofproteins/ionchannels/mediatorsthathavecreatedthemostintenserecent interestintheareaofsensorynervebiology. Together,thesechapterswillgivethe reader important knowledge about how sensory nerve function can be altered pharmacologically. Thelastchapterinthispartdescribestheprocessesthatgive risetoalteredneuralre?exesatthecentrallevel. Themechanismsdescribedin thesechaptersreinforcetheroleofproteins/mediatorshighlightedinthepreceding chapters. Theroleofthesecellular,molecularandphysiologicalprocessesinthe diseasesdiscussedinPart1areemphasized. TheaimofPartIIIistohighlightpotentialdrugtargetsthatmightaltersensory nervefunction. Mostoftheworkhasbeendevotedtothetreatmentofneuropathic painandsothispartheavilyemphasizesthissubject. However,aswillbeapparent fromPartI,manyofthesetargetscouldbeutilizedinothertherapeuticareasthat implicatesensorynervesintheirpathophysiologicalprocesses. Thefocusofthe chaptersisonopioidsandmodulatorsofionchannelsandthenthe?nalchapteris devotedtofuturetreatmentstrategiesforneuropathicpain. Finally,wewouldliketothankallthecontributors,includingco-authors,who agreedtowritechaptersforthisbookandthepublishers,especiallySusanneDathe, fortheirpatienceandassistance. Baltimore B. J. Canning London D. Spina Contents PartI RoleofSensoryNervesinDisease NeuropathicPain:AClinicalPerspective ...3 RalfBaron VisceralPain:TheNeurophysiologicalMechanism...31 JyotiN. Sengupta Migraine ...75 SilviaBenemei,PaolaNicoletti,JayG. Capone,Francesco DeCesaris,andPierangeloGeppetti AfferentNerveRegulationofBladderFunctioninHealth andDisease ...91 WilliamC. deGroatandNaokiYoshimura SensoryNervesandAirwayIrritability...139 B. J. CanningandD. Spina RegulationofCardiacAfferentExcitabilityinIschemia...185 Liang-WuFuandJohnC. Longhurst RolesofGastro-oesophagealAfferentsintheMechanisms andSymptomsofRe?uxDisease ...227 AmandaJ. PageandL. AshleyBlackshaw PartII CellandMolecularMechanismsRegulatingSensory NerveFunction TransientReceptorPotentialChannelsonSensoryNerves ...261 S. R. EidandD. N. Cortright Acid-SensitiveIonChannelsandReceptors ...283 PeterHolzer PurinesandSensoryNerves...333 GeoffreyBurnstock vii viii Contents Sensory-Nerve-DerivedNeuropeptides: PossibleTherapeuticTargets ...393 ElizabethS. Fernandes,SabineM. SchmidhuberandSusanD. Brain CytokineandChemokineRegulationofSensory NeuronFunction ...417 RichardJ. Miller,HosungJung,SoniaK. BhangooandFletcherA. White TheRoleofPeptidesinCentralSensitization ...451 V. S. Seybold PartIII CurrentandFutureTreatmentStrategiesTargeting SensoryNerves OpioidsandSensoryNerves ...495 ChristophSteinandChristianZoTheintentionofthisbookistoprovideacomprehensiveandcontemporaryreview ofthebiologyofsensorynerves. InkeepingwiththethemeoftheHandbookof Experimental Pharmacology series, emphasis will be placed on the actions of drugs,transmittersandautacoidsthatinitiateorinhibitsensorynerveactivation (through actionsonionchannelsandreceptorsattheirperipheralterminals)or modulate the release or actions of the transmitters released from the central terminalsofsensorynerves. Onthebasisofextensivesupportiveevidenceinthe literature, it is our view that many diseases are characterized by alterations in sensorynervefunction(e. g. pain,cardiovasculardiseaseandmigraine). Itisour beliefthatthisbookwillbeunique,asitwillcomprehensivelycovertheroleof sensory nerves across many therapeutic areas. To address directly one of the editorialboardqueries,thisisnotintendedtobeabookaboutthepharmacology ofpain. Thatsaid,tomostpharmacologists,painisthemostobviousindicationfor aroleorsensorynervesindisease. Webelievethatthelessonslearntfromthestudy ofneuropathicpainwillbeinvaluableforresearchersintheothertherapeuticareas covered inthisvolume. Sincemostinterest hasfocusedontheroleofsensory nervesinneuropathicpain,wehaveaddedanumberofchaptersdevotedtothis subject. Thebookisorganizedinthreeparts,coveringthetypesandrolesofsensory nervesinsomaticandvisceraldisorders(PartI),speci?ctargetsonsensorynerves relevanttopainandvisceraldisorders(PartII)andadescriptionofcurrentand futuretherapeuticstrategiesfortargetingsensorynerves(PartIII). The?rsttwochaptersinPartIaredevotedtodescribingtheclinicalfeaturesof neuropathicpainandvisceralpain. Ourintentionisfortheauthorstoprovidea clinicalviewpointonthefeaturesoftheseconditionsandtheadvantages/disadv- tagesofcurrenttreatmentmodalities. Thenext?vechaptersinPartIfocusonthe roleofsensorynervesinotherpathologicalconditions. Severalcommonthemes willemergeinthispart,includingthemodeofsensorynerveactivationinvarious tissues and organs, the alterations in sensory nerve excitability associated with disease,andtheimportanceofin?ammationandin?ammatorymediatorsininiti- ingalteredsensorynervefunctionindisease. v vi Preface Whilstthe?rstpartfocusesontheclinicaland/orsystemsphysiology,PartIIhas itsfocusatthecellandmolecularlevel. Thisparthighlightsthecurrentundersta- ingofproteins/ionchannels/mediatorsthathavecreatedthemostintenserecent interestintheareaofsensorynervebiology. Together,thesechapterswillgivethe reader important knowledge about how sensory nerve function can be altered pharmacologically. Thelastchapterinthispartdescribestheprocessesthatgive risetoalteredneuralre?exesatthecentrallevel. Themechanismsdescribedin thesechaptersreinforcetheroleofproteins/mediatorshighlightedinthepreceding chapters. Theroleofthesecellular,molecularandphysiologicalprocessesinthe diseasesdiscussedinPart1areemphasized. TheaimofPartIIIistohighlightpotentialdrugtargetsthatmightaltersensory nervefunction. Mostoftheworkhasbeendevotedtothetreatmentofneuropathic painandsothispartheavilyemphasizesthissubject. However,aswillbeapparent fromPartI,manyofthesetargetscouldbeutilizedinothertherapeuticareasthat implicatesensorynervesintheirpathophysiologicalprocesses. Thefocusofthe chaptersisonopioidsandmodulatorsofionchannelsandthenthe?nalchapteris devotedtofuturetreatmentstrategiesforneuropathicpain. Finally,wewouldliketothankallthecontributors,includingco-authors,who agreedtowritechaptersforthisbookandthepublishers,especiallySusanneDathe, fortheirpatienceandassistance. Baltimore B. J. Canning London D. Spina Contents PartI RoleofSensoryNervesinDisease NeuropathicPain:AClinicalPerspective ...3 RalfBaron VisceralPain:TheNeurophysiologicalMechanism...31 JyotiN. Sengupta Migraine ...75 SilviaBenemei,PaolaNicoletti,JayG. Capone,Francesco DeCesaris,andPierangeloGeppetti AfferentNerveRegulationofBladderFunctioninHealth andDisease ...91 WilliamC. deGroatandNaokiYoshimura SensoryNervesandAirwayIrritability...139 B. J. CanningandD. Spina RegulationofCardiacAfferentExcitabilityinIschemia...185 Liang-WuFuandJohnC. Longhurst RolesofGastro-oesophagealAfferentsintheMechanisms andSymptomsofRe?uxDisease ...227 AmandaJ. PageandL. AshleyBlackshaw PartII CellandMolecularMechanismsRegulatingSensory NerveFunction TransientReceptorPotentialChannelsonSensoryNerves ...261 S. R. EidandD. N. Cortright Acid-SensitiveIonChannelsandReceptors ...283 PeterHolzer PurinesandSensoryNerves...333 GeoffreyBurnstock vii viii Contents Sensory-Nerve-DerivedNeuropeptides: PossibleTherapeuticTargets ...393 ElizabethS. Fernandes,SabineM. SchmidhuberandSusanD. Brain CytokineandChemokineRegulationofSensory NeuronFunction ...417 RichardJ. Miller,HosungJung,SoniaK. BhangooandFletcherA. White TheRoleofPeptidesinCentralSensitization ...451 V. S. Seybold PartIII CurrentandFutureTreatmentStrategiesTargeting SensoryNerves OpioidsandSensoryNerves ...495 ChristophSteinandChristianZollner ThePharmacologyofVoltage-GatedSodiumChannels inSensoryNeurones ...519 ReginaldJ. DochertyandClareE. Farmer RoleofCalciuminRegulatingPrimarySensory NeuronalExcitability ...563 T. D. Gover,T. H. MoreiraandD. Weinreich FutureTreatmentStrategiesforNeuropathicPain...589 FabienMarchand,NicholasG. JonesandStephenB.

This volume collects a variety of techniques and methodologies developed to facilitate research on integrin biology and to identify ideal targets and approaches for the treatment of multiple organ diseases, with a focus on cancer in particular. The chapters consecutively describe the tools for structural analysis, identification and detection of integrins as biomarkers, and include thorough laboratory and clinically-related methods on different strategies for generation, synthesis and evaluation of probes, carriers, peptides or small particles for integrin targeting, imaging, and drug delivery. As part of the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, this book contains the practical details that are invaluable in the laboratory. Authoritative and advantageous, Integrin Targeting Systems for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy serves readers from a wide spectrum, including researchers and students seeking an overview of existing developments, as well as leading professionals aiming to become more familiar with integrin-related innovative technologies in cancer research.

This book addresses the therapeutic strategies to target mitochondrial metabolism in diseases where the function of that organelle is compromised, and it discusses the effective strategies used to create mitochondrial-targeted agents that can become commercially available drug delivery platforms. The consistent growth of research focused in understanding the multifaceted role of mitochondria in cellular metabolism, controlling pathways related with cell death, and ionic/redox regulation has extended the research of mitochondrial chemical-biological interactions to include various pharmacological and toxicological applications. Not only does the book extensively cover basic mitochondrial physiology, but it also links the molecular interactions within these pathways to a variety of diseases. It is one of the first books to combine state-of-the-art reviews regarding basic mitochondrial biology, the role of mitochondrial alterations in different diseases, and the importance of that organelle as a target for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to improve human health. The different chapters highlight the chemical-biological linkages of the mitochondria in context with drug development and clinical applications.

Drug discovery originating in Africa has the potential to provide significantly improved treatment of endemic diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. This book critically reviews the current status of drug discovery research and development in Africa, for diseases that are a major threat to the health of people living in Africa. Compiled by leading African and international experts, this book presents the science and strategies of modern drug discovery. It explores how the use of natural products and traditional medicines can benefit from conventional drug discovery approaches, and proposes solutions to current technological, infrastructural, human resources, and economic challenges, which are presented when attempting to engage in full-scale drug discovery. Topics addressed are varied; from African medicinal plants to marine bioprospecting, pharmacogenetics and the use of nanotechnology. This book brings together for the first time a collection of strategies and techniques that need to be considered when developing drugs in an African setting. It is an unprecedented and truly international effort, highlighting the remarkable effort made so far in the area of drug discovery research by African scientists, and scientists from other parts of the world working on African health problems.