Whether classified as regulators of inflammation, metabolism, or other physiological functions, a distinctive set of molecules enables the human body to convey information from one cell to another. An in-depth primer on the molecular mediators that coordinate complex bodily processes, Body Messages provides fresh insight into how biologists first identified this special class of molecules and the consequences of their discovery for modern medicine. Focusing on proteins that regulate inflammation and metabolism-including the cytokines and adipokines at the core of her own research-Giamila Fantuzzi examines the role body messages play in the physiology of health as well as in the pathology of various illnesses. Readers are introduced to different ways of conceptualizing biomedical research and to the advantages and pitfalls associated with identifying molecules beginning with function or structure. By bringing together areas of research usually studied separately, Fantuzzi stresses the importance of investigating the body as a whole and affirms the futility of trying to separate basic from clinical research. Drawing on firsthand interviews with researchers who made major contributions to the field, Body Messages illustrates that the paths leading to scientific discovery are rarely direct, nor are they always the only routes available.

Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease presents a comprehensive survey of adipose tissue, its physiological functions, and its role in disease. This volume spans the entire range of adipose tissue studies, from basic anatomical and physiological research to epidemiology and clinical studies. The authors-distinguished researchers, clinicians and epidemiologists-have incorporated groundbreaking recent studies into traditional models of adipose tissue properties. Chapters on well-known properties of adipokines leptin and adiponectin are complemented by an introduction to a novel view of adipose tissue as a dynamic organ that regulates systemic substrate availability and metabolism, along with a variety of other discrete functions. This novel concept is expanded as the role of adipose tissue in maintaining body homeostasis and the modulation of inflammatory and metabolic responses is discussed. Worldwide trends in obesity are discussed from an evolutionary perspective and causes of the current obesity epidemic are postulated. Additionally, researchers and clinicians examine the association and potential role of adipose tissue in disease mediation and offer epidemiological evidence. This volume concludes with a thoughtful and innovative discussion of various approaches to inducing and sustaining weight loss in obese patients and the health effects of such treatments. Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease provides a broad and substantial foundation for understanding new developments in adipose tissue biology and successfully integrating them into new research endeavors.

Carrying on the high standards of the much praised first edition (Durum and Muegge, Cytokine Knockouts, 1998), Giamila Fantuzzi and a panel of experts have generated completely new chapters to reflect the use of many novel mouse strains and the hundreds of recent studies on cytokine physiology. Comprehensive reviews of the numerous often-surprising results obtained using cytokine knockout mice are provided, along with much important information about cytokine biology and physiology. For those not familiar with cytokine research, the authors present a critical discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using cytokine knockout mice in various fields of research.

The field of adipose tissue biology has been expanding at a very rapid pace in the last few years. Numerous advances have been made since publication of the first edition of this book, in terms of basic adipocyte biology, understanding of the determinants of obesity, distribution of body fat and weight loss, as well as the mechanisms linking excess adiposity to various co-morbidities. Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease, Second Edition contains updated chapters from the previous volume but as the field has evolved, some areas covered in the first edition have been refocused to address the new knowledge. The volume is divided in four sections: the first two deal with basic adipose tissue and adipokine biology, while the last two address the problem of obesity and alterations in adipose tissue function from an epidemiological and clinical standpoint. The chapters are written by experts in their fields and include the most up to date scientific information. Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease, Second Edition is a useful resource for physicians interested in adipose tissue biology and basic scientists who want to know more about applied aspects of the field. The book targets endocrinologists, residents and fellows, internists, nutritionists and general practitioners who are exposed to an ever-expanding obese population.

The field of adipose tissue biology has been expanding at a very rapid pace in the last few years. Numerous advances have been made since publication of the first edition of this book, in terms of basic adipocyte biology, understanding of the determinants of obesity, distribution of body fat and weight loss, as well as the mechanisms linking excess adiposity to various co-morbidities. Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease, Second Edition contains updated chapters from the previous volume but as the field has evolved, some areas covered in the first edition have been refocused to address the new knowledge. The volume is divided in four sections: the first two deal with basic adipose tissue and adipokine biology, while the last two address the problem of obesity and alterations in adipose tissue function from an epidemiological and clinical standpoint. The chapters are written by experts in their fields and include the most up to date scientific information. Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease, Second Edition is a useful resource for physicians interested in adipose tissue biology and basic scientists who want to know more about applied aspects of the field. The book targets endocrinologists, residents and fellows, internists, nutritionists and general practitioners who are exposed to an ever-expanding obese population.

Carrying on the high standards of the much praised first edition (Durum and Muegge, Cytokine Knockouts, 1998), Giamila Fantuzzi and a panel of experts have generated completely new chapters to reflect the use of many novel mouse strains and the hundreds of recent studies on cytokine physiology. Comprehensive reviews of the numerous often-surprising results obtained using cytokine knockout mice are provided, along with much important information about cytokine biology and physiology. For those not familiar with cytokine research, the authors present a critical discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using cytokine knockout mice in various fields of research.