Mechanisms of Angiogenesis
Is it advisable to go back from bedside to the bench? During the last decade, few topics encountered such a broad interest in bio- gy and medicine as angiogenesis. The amazing ability of the body to restore blood flow by induction of blood vessel growth as part of an adaptive process has alarmed physicians dealing with diseases in which angiogenesis is either exaggerated (as in tumors) or too slow (as in ischemic diseases of heart and brain). Not surprisingly, pro- and antiangiogenic strategies have found their way into clinical trials. For instance, for the USA, the NIH website in early 2004 displayed 38 clinical studies involving either pro- or antiangiogenic th- apies. Given the expected overwhelming wealth of clinical data, the question may be asked whether further exploration of biological mechanisms is required or whether results from the bedside are instructive enough to proceed. This question depends also on the progress of pro- and antiangiogenic clinical trials. In the following, I give a short overview about some of the progress that has been made in this field. Since Judah Folkman proposed antiangiogenic tumor therapy thirty years ago, it has become increasingly evident that agents which interfere with blood vessel formation also block tumor progression. Accordingly, antiangiogenic therapy has gained much attention as a potential adjunct to conventional c- cer therapy.
Emerging Pathologies in Cardiology ; Proceedings of the Mediterranean Cardiology Meeting 2005
The book aims to give the most up-to-date information about the epidemiology, the pathophysiology, the diagnosis and the new treatments of the Emerging Pathologies in Cardiology. It presents the state of the art on Acute Coronary Syndromes, Sudden Cardiac Death, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation, Syncope and Prevention of Global Cardiovascular Risk which are some of the emerging pathologies urging investigators to develop many and more sophisticated pharmacological, electrical or mechanical therapies. The volume chapters are written by world-renowned leading experts in these fields, and present a detailed analysis of the most recent developments in the treatment of the above mentioned cardiac pathologi
Cardiac drug therapy
Cardiac Drug Therapy, 7th ed., addresses the pharmacology and therapeutic application of drugs used to treat heart diseases and hypertension. Additions and updates to the sixth edition include six new chapters on current controversies in cardiac drug therapy such as the beta blocker issue many cardiologists are presently grappling with. The book provides practical advice on how to manage cardiac diseases and addresses the choice of one particular cardiac agent vs. another. In addition to providing core knowledge in cardiovascular therapeutics, the text assists in resolving some of the issues surrounding cardiac drugs. Cardiac Drug Therapy provides practical information including properties, dosage, side effects, potential salutary benefits, and drawbacks on virtually all commercially available cardiac drugs.
Atherosclerosis : Diet and Drugs
Divided into four parts and intends to give an overview on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, established treatment and prevention regimen, and of perspectives for the development of new treatment modalities.
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and application
It is now a little over 10 years since the introduction of drugs that inhibit the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are a class of oral medications that act primarily through blockade of the angiotensin converting enzyme. This enzyme converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction increasing afterload, thus increasing systemic blood pressure. Angiotensin contributes to the production of aldosterone, which normally acts to retain sodium and water.




