Growth Hormone and the Heart endeavors to bring together knowledge that has been accumulated in the area of GH and the heart, from basic to clinical studies, by research groups working on this topic throughout the world. Lessons from different experimental models and from several human diseases (acromegaly, adult GH deficiency, heart failure) suggest to endocrinologists and cardiologists that GH may not only have a role in the physiology and pathophysiology of heart function, but that GH itself may have a place in the treatment of primary heart diseases (such as dilated cardiomyopathy) or of cardiac complications of hypopituitarism. Growth Hormone and the Heart will be a useful update of the research produced in the field of cardiovascular endocrinology. The Editors also hope that this book will serve as the primary step in the recognition of the wide physiological and clinical significance of GH and heart interactions.

It has been known for over 40 years that GH-deficient-children benefit from replacement with the hormone. But GH, essential for longitudinal growth, also plays a role after completion of final height. With the introduction of biosynthetic human GH 20 years ago, the use of GH was no longer restricted to severe growth retardation in hypopituitary children. This book will take the reader behind the myths of GH and into the real world of clinical endocrinology. The contributions stem from recognized clinicians and scientists who have been working in the field for decades. The contents encompass traditional end points of GH therapy such as body composition, bone biology and physical performance. Attention is also devoted to diagnostic aspects and side effects. Additional features range from clinical epidemiology to quality of life, and novel areas such as the impact of traumatic brain injury on pituitary function are also covered. The present volume of Frontiers of Hormone Research is essential reading for health care professionals interested in clinical endocrinology and GH.

Gigantism and Acromegaly brings together pituitary experts, taking readers from bench research, to genetic analysis, clinical analysis, and new therapeutic approaches. This book serves as a reference for growth hormone over-secretion and its diagnosis and treatment for endocrinologists, pediatricians, internists, and neurosurgeons, and for geneticists. Pharmaceutical companies may use it as a reference for drug development and research. Students, residents and fellows in medicine and endocrinology and genetics will also find it valuable as it provides a single up-to-date review of the molecular biology of gigantism and acromegaly as well as recommended approaches to evaluation and management. Acromegaly is a rare pituitary disorder that slowly changes its adult victim's appearance over time: larger hands and feet, bigger jaw, forehead, nose, and lips. Generally, a benign pituitary tumor is the cause and symptoms of acromegaly can vary from patient to patient, making a diagnosis difficult and prolonging suffering for years. Early detection is key in the management of acromegaly as the pathologic effects of increased growth hormone (GH) production are progressive and can be life-threatening as the result of associated cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory disorders and malignancies. - Accessible, up-to-date overview of the characteristics, state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, and management of acromegaly and gigantism - Provides a unique compendium of endocrinology, genetics, clinical diagnosis and therapeutics - Contains contributions from internationally known experts who have treated patients with acromegaly and gigantism

This revised new edition reviews the substantial advances in our understanding of the vital role of growth hormone (GH) in maintaining adult health, and the resulting disorders from GH deficiency. The first edition, published in 1996, provided a pioneering overview of the subject; this new edition provides an even more comprehensive account, fully updated with the latest research, clinical applications, and references. The therapeutic benefits of GH treatment in GH deficiency are thoroughly evaluated, including effects on metabolism, cardiac function, exercise performance, psychosocial aspects, and aging and gender-specific effects. This compilation by the world's leading experts covers clinical investigation, diagnosis and treatment issues, and encompasses new knowledge of the control and action of GH secretion. This volume is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and detailed account available and will be an essential source of reference for all endocrinologists.

Includes research using the UCLA Library Baby Books Collection.

GROWTH HORMONE (GH) IS A HOT TOPIC. It seems that all of the movie stars, celebrities, and body-builders are taking it, and they look fantastic. Baby boomers interested in anti-aging are taking it and saying that it keeps them young. But you may have heard that it is expensive... and dangerous. So what's the story? What are your options? Do you need it? Should you take it? How do you use it? Can you afford it? How can you raise GH naturally? We will see how GH levels drop as we get older, when to intervene, and what treatment options are available to optimize health. Carefully read this book before making any decisions about using GH supplements. This book could save you from an early death, either from using risky supplements or from not doing anything at all. You will learn how to determine if you need GH replacement. You will find out how to get tested and what tests you will need. You will learn what options you have for GH replacement, risks, side effects, and affordability.

Both thyroid dysfunction and heart failure show a high prevalence in the adult population. Frequently, in clinical practice, a multidisciplinary approach is useful to optimize the management of patients with these conditions. Although there is no doubt regarding the close link between cardiovascular pathophysiology and thyroid homeostasis, our understanding of this association is far from being exhaustive. Thyroid hormone regulates the expression of cardiac-specific functional contractile and structural proteins and plays a pivotal role in modulating both diastolic and systolic function as well as peripheral vascular resistance. The close relationship between thyroid and heart dysfunction is strongly supported by recent evidence demonstrating that an altered thyroid profile is a negative prognostic predictor in patients with heart failure. The treatment of chronic heart failure, especially in advanced stages of the disease, continues to be an open and challenging field. The potential of novel thyroid hormone therapies that address the molecular biology of thyroid dysfunction and heart failure thus represents an attractive area of multidisciplinary scientific interest. This book is a readable, integrated, and highly up to date presentation of the clinical, pathophysiological, and basic science aspects of thyroid–heart failure interactions. It addresses a complex subject in an approach that targets a large audience of readers.

A definitive, comprehensive text on the technological developments and clinical applications of this critical subject matter. Written for the entire heart surgery team, this volume covers the physiology of cardiopulmonary bypass, mechanics and components of the heart-lung machine, the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgery, non-cardiac applications of cardiopulmonary bypass, and mechanical assistance of the failing heart and lung. The authors also give special consideration to such areas as blood conservation in cardiac surgery, religions objections to blood transfusions, medical-legal aspects and cardiopulmonary bypass, as well as warm blood cardioplegia and normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

The pituitary, albeit a small gland, is known as the "master gland" of the endocrine system and contributes to a wide spectrum of disorders, diseases, and syndromes. Since the publication of the second edition of The Pituitary, in 2002, there have been major advances in the molecular biology research of pituitary hormone production and action and there is now a better understanding of the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors and clinical syndromes resulting in perturbation of pituitary function. There have also been major advances in the clinical management of pituitary disorders. Medical researchers and practitioners now better understand the morbidity and mortality associated with pituitary hormone hyposecretion and hypersecretion. Newly developed drugs, and improved methods of delivering established drugs, are allowing better medical management of acromegaly and prolactinoma. These developments have improved the worldwide consensus around the definition of a "cure" for pituitary disease, especially hormone hypersecretion, and hence will improve the success or lack of success of various forms of therapy. It is therefore time for a new edition of The Pituitary. The third edition will continue to be divided into sections that summarize normal hypothalamic-pituitary development and function, hypothalamic-pituitary failure, and pituitary tumors; additional sections will describe pituitary disease in systemic disorders and diagnostic procedures, including imaging, assessment of the eyes, and biochemical testing. The first chapter will be completely new – placing a much greater emphasis on physiology and pathogenesis. Two new chapters will be added on the Radiation and Non-surgical Management of the Pituitary and Other Pituitary Lesions. Other chapters will be completely updated and many new author teams will be invited. The second edition published in 2002 and there have been incredible changes in both the research and clinical aspects of the pituitary over the past 8 years – from new advances in growth hormones to pituitary tumor therapy. - Presents a comprehensive, translational source of information about the pituitary in one reference work - Pituitary experts (from all areas of research and practice) take readers from the bench research (cellular and molecular mechanism), through genomic and proteomic analysis, all the way to clinical analysis (histopathology and imaging) and new therapeutic approaches - Clear presentation by endocrine researchers of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary hormones and growth factors as well as new techniques used in detecting lesions (within the organ) and other systemic disorders - Clear presentation by endocrinologists and neuroendocrine surgeons of how imaging, assessment of the eyes, and biochemical testing can lead to new therapeutic approaches