الصفحة 1
الصفحة 1
Obesity and Cancer
This book highlights the concordance between signaling pathways that are involved in obesity and cancer cross-talks. It describes the role of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, insulin, and adipokines in the development of obesity-associated cancers. The book reviews the role of inflammatory signaling pathways such as estrogen-mediated signaling, mTOR and AMP-activated protein kinase pathway and the involvement of adaptive and innate immunity, oxidative stress, gene polymorphism, dietary phytochemicals, and miRNAs in obesity and cancer. In addition, it covers the latest research on the drugs and natural therapeutic agents that target obesity-induced cancers and discusses various in vivo models for studying obesity and obesity-associated cancer. Lastly, it analyses the role of genetic polymorphisms in the obesity-related genes that influence cancer development.
New Mechanisms for Tissue-Selective Estrogen-Free Contraception
Combined oral contraceptives are the most convenient and accepted method of hormonal contraception. Nevertheless, the medical community and consumers constantly demand innovation, additional benefits during use and lower hormonal load despite the high safety profile of available products. At the Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop 52, new perspectives and mechanisms for tissue-selective, estrogen-free contraception were discussed. The aim of the workshop was to bring together experts in the field of molecular and pharmacodynamic action of progestins with clinicians and medical experts to discuss potential medical endpoints, physiological reactions and (bio)marker useful describing the tissue selectivity and the contraceptive action of new progestins in different target organs. A major factor for successful realization of these new concepts is a deeper understanding of local pharmacological responses to progestins in general and to new progestins in particular.
Menopause
As people live longer, women are spending most of their lives in menopause, affected by a variety of estrogen-related conditions such as osteoporosis, cognitive and cardiovascular decline, increased risk of breast cancer and other symptoms that decrease the overall quality of life. Unfortunately, hormonal therapy was found to be less effective in decreasing the severity of some of these conditions than previously thought and may actually increase the risk of cancer. The aim of this research was to put a spotlight on natural treatments for menopause like changing life style and herbal medicines.
Medical Decisions, Estrogen and Aging
This book is unique in that it integrates core findings from within the Decision Sciences and Evidence Based Medicine in light of the research that has been done on HT. Medical Decisions, Estrogen and Aging integrates the various components that go into medical decision making in the context of understanding the dilemmas that surround HT. Therefore this book is intended for both specialists and generalists in the field, and it is ideally suited for use by graduate and medical students, medical health care professionals, behavioral scientists, medical ethicists, gerontologists, historians of science, and endocrinologists.
Hormones and the brain
Peripheral hormones have a major impact on the brain: they are able to interfere with its development, to affect release of neurotransmitters and concentrations of receptors, to trigger growth factors involved in lesion repair. These multiple actions account for their capacity to modulate a number of physiological parameters, from reproductive functions to memory, behaviour and aging. Depending upon intensity and duration of exposure, they can be either neuroprotective or neurotoxic, for instance by affecting production of free radicals. This book, based on contributions of pioneer investigators in the field, outlines the ambiguous actions of gonadal steroids (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, inhibin and activin) and of neurosteroids, related moieties produced in the brain itself. After summarizing their multiple mechanisms of action, which involve both direct effects on neuronal membranes and activation of genes coding for specific proteins in neurons or glial cells, the book outlines the role of hormones in pathogenic processes such as mental disturbances or neurodegenerative diseases.
Hormonal control of cell cycle
This volume reflects the proceedings of an International Workshop held in Paris in December 2006. The aim of the meeting was to undertake a high level of scholarly exchange between experts in cell biology, oncology and endocrinology interested in cell cycle control. The topics covered ranged from fundamental studies of DNA replication,chromosomal and nuclear function through growth factor control of endocrine tumor initiation and progression.
Hormonal carcinogenesis V
Information gathered from cell-free systems, cell cultures, animal models, and human studies, together will (1) provide important insights to our understanding of hormonal cancer causation, development, and prevention; (2) be the primary objective of these Symposia.
Genomics in Endocrinology : DNA Microarray Analysis in Endocrine Health and Disease
Genomics in Endocrinology focuses on exciting new advances in endocrinology resulting from DNA microarray studies and includes a comprehensive introduction to the use of DNA microarrays in endocrinology. The volume provides the basis for further understanding of the usefulness of microarray analyses in endocrinology research.
Estrogen Effects in Psychiatric Disorders
A number of studies, mostly focusing on estrogen replacement therapy in women, have reported beneficial actions of these hormones on various neurobiological and neuropathological parameters in health and disease. Recent research has focused on gender differences and there is increasing evidence that estrogens exert protective effects in schizophrenia. Hormonal fluctuations or lack of estrogen may increase the risk of depression among vulnerable women. Treatment of depression with estrogen may stabilize and restore disrupted homeostasis – as during post-partum, premenstrual, or perimenopausal conditions – and act as a psychomodulator to offset vulnerability to dysphoric mood when estrogen levels are significantly decreased, as in the case of postmenopausal women. Studies on the effect of estrogens on Alzheimer’s Disease are still rather controversial, they do, however, facilitate the hypothesis that estrogens may have a modifying effect on the onset and course of AD, at least in subgroups of patients.
Lippincott illustrated reviews : Pharmacology
Presents up-to-date drug information in an accessible format ideal for a fast, effective refresher. Part of the popular Lippincott® Illustrated Reviews series, this concise resource features clear, effective writing and hundreds of illustrations that break down complex information for rapid review. Sequential images present mechanisms of action and focus on showing rather than telling students how drugs work, and review questions with answers deliver powerful, practical exam preparation. Updated drug information reflects the most current, clinically relevant pharmacology material. Approachable outline format distills complex information for easier review. High-quality illustrations reinforce understanding in vibrant detail. Enhanced review questions with answers test students' understanding and identify areas for further study.
Aromatase Inhibitors
Many breast tumours are dependent upon oestrogen for their development and continued growth. Over the last 25 years hormone therapy has progressed from the irreversible destruction of endocrine glands to the use of drugs that reversibly suppress oestrogen synthesis or action. The inhibition of oestrogen synthesis is most readily achieved by inhibiting the final step in the pathway of oestrogen biosynthesis, the reaction which transforms androgens into oestrogens by creating an aromatic ring in the steroid molecule (hence the enzyme's trivial name, aromatase). Whereas the first aromatase inhibitors to be used therapeutically could be shown to produce drug-induced inhibition of the enzyme and therapeutic benefits in patients with breast cancer, they were not particularly potent and lacked specificity. However, second-generation drugs were developed and most recently third-generation inhibitors have evolved which possess remarkable specificity and potency. Initial results from clinical trials suggest that these agents will become the cornerstones of future endocrine therapy.
Aromatase Inhibitors
Many breast tumours are dependent upon oestrogen for their development and continued growth. Over the last 25 years hormone therapy has progressed from the irreversible destruction of endocrine glands to the use of drugs that reversibly suppress oestrogen synthesis or action. The inhibition of oestrogen synthesis is most readily achieved by inhibiting the final step in the pathway of oestrogen biosynthesis, the reaction which transforms androgens into oestrogens by creating an aromatic ring in the steroid molecule (hence the enzyme's trivial name, aromatase). Whereas the first aromatase inhibitors to be used therapeutically could be shown to produce drug-induced inhibition of the enzyme and therapeutic benefits in patients with breast cancer, they were not particularly potent and lacked specificity. However, second-generation drugs were developed and most recently third-generation inhibitors have evolved which possess remarkable specificity and potency. Initial results from clinical trials suggest that these agents will become the cornerstones of future endocrine therapy.
