It has been over 40 years since the original report by Salmon and Daughaday demon strating that the ability of GH to stimulate sulfation of cartilage was mediated by a "sulfation factor. " In the ensuing decades, it has become apparent that this "sulfation factor activity" encompasses a complex system ofligands (IGFs), receptors, and carrier proteins that are, in tum, responsible for a wide array of cellular actions. The IGF system has been demonstrated to be critically involved in both intrauterine and postnatal growth, and to have important implications in cancer biology as well, owing to the ability of the IGFs to function in endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine modes and given the wide distri bution of IGFs in virtually every organ system. The contributions to The /GF System reflect the wide span of interest in the IGF system and its implications for normal and abnormal growth and metabolism. The chapters have been divided into four broad sections: I. Molecular biology of the IGF system; II. Bio logical actions of the IGFs; III. IGF physiology; and IV. Clinical aspects of the IGFs. We have made every effort to highlight the major contemporary themes in IGF biology, but as is inevitable in such a fast-moving field, perspectives will continue to change as new information is accumulated.

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms. Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, Vitamins and Hormones continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.This volume focuses on insulin and IGFs. - Longest running series published by Academic Press - Contributions by leading international authorities

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), their binding proteins and their receptors play important roles in regulating growth, metabolism, proliferation and survival for many cells and tissues throughout lifespan in humans and other species. Circulating IGF1 is known to be an endocrine regulator, with metabolic effects related to, and partly convergent with, insulin signalling. IGF1 also mediates many of the growth promoting effects of GH, and there is an ongoing debate as to the relative contributions of endocrine-, vs locally-derived IGF1 for systemic growth. More recently however, it has become clear that IGFs may be key local growth and cellular survival factors for many different tissues, active from early in embryonic development, essential for normal maturation and growth during foetal life. IGFs continue to play important roles throughout adult life in many diverse processes such as tissue repair, cellular proliferation, tissue remodelling and metabolic regulation. IGF systems are tightly regulated; orderly control of cellular repair and metabolism is central to healthy ageing, whilst uncontrolled proliferation can lead to cancer.

A benchmark review on how specific nutrients or adverse nutritional states impact the components of the IGF (Insulin-like Growth Factor) system and affect human health and disease. The authors describe the fundamentals of the IGF system, explain its basic mechanisms of action, illuminate its essential role in physical development across the life span, and highlight the link between normal and abnormal cellular growth resulting in tumor formation. They also fully examine the clinical aspects of nutrition and IGF, from pre- and postnatal development through old age, in the maintenance of normal metabolism, bone, and muscle health, and their role in pathological states. Special attention is given to critical illness, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, kidney failure, endocrine dysfunctions, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and cancer, as well as to their potential for IGF therapy.

Diabetes mellitus is approaching epidemic proportions worldwide, and the effects and treatment of diabetes in pregnancy are not well enough understood by many doctors who see pregnant women in their practices. The goal of this book is to provide much-needed information to clinicians about pregestational and gestational diabetes in pregnancy and help them develop the tools and skills to improve the outcome of these pregnancies. This is the second edition of a highly regarded book on diabetes in pregnancy, strongly recommended in JAMA to anyone involved in the care of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus. The second edition will be organized similarly to the first edition, but all of the chapters have been updated with new information and references. The book emphasizes diagnosis and treatment, making it particularly valuable to clinicians. An evidence-based approach supplements the standard expert-opinion approach wherever clinical trials have provided sufficient evidence, and strong evidence is given for close nutritional management. Like the first edition, the book is organized into two major sections: I. The Scientific Rationale for Global Issues Affecting Diabetes in Pregnancy and II. The Scientific Rationale for the Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy.

The Aging Skeleton is a comprehensive and timely book on all aspects of the skeleton as it ages, including basic mechanisms and pathways as well as pathobiology. Chapters cover general aspects and models of aging, determinants and maintenance of peak bone mass, mechanisms of age-related bone loss, quantifiable manifestations of age-related bone loss, fractures, and therapeutics. - Covers all aspects of the aging skeleton in one comprehensive volume - Looks at the influence of genetics, nutrition, environment, hormones, and other factors on bone mass - Provides a thorough discussion of fractures, one of the major consequences of the aging skeleton - Reviews current therapeutic approaches and methods - Written by internationally renowned authors and edited by leaders in the field - Is the only book available on this subject

During the past decade, the continued interest in insulin-related growth factors has been documented by a plethora of research programs and publications focused on these growth factors. Both molecular and cellular biological techniques have improved and enabled investigators to study the properties of the growth factors in depth. This volume covers the molecular (genetic) aspects of the growth factors, their binding proteins and receptors, as well as those factors affecting their gene transcription and translation. In addition, aspects of the cellular action of these growth factors through their receptors and how this impacts normal cellular function are discussed. The book will provide valuable information for researchers in physiology, biology, endocrinology, and metabolism.

Insulin-like growth factors are ubiquitously expressed and are crucial for growth and function of almost all cells. Together with their binding proteins and receptors, they form a widely studied biological system involving many proteins and characterized by complex interactions. In addition to its significance in growth and development, the insulin-like growth factor system also has important roles in a wide variety of pathological states. This has led to interest in the therapeutic potential of insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins as candidate drug targets. This comprehensive book contains current information on both basic science and clinical aspects of IGFs and their regulatory proteins, with emphasis on their relevance to cancer.

Basic and Applied Bone Biology, Second Edition, provides an overview of skeletal biology, from the molecular level, to the organ level, including cellular control, interaction and response, adaptive responses to various external stimuli, and the interaction of the skeletal system with other metabolic processes in the body. The book includes chapters that address how the skeleton can be evaluated through the use of various imaging technologies, biomechanical testing, histomorphometric analysis, and the use of genetically-modified animal models. Each chapter delves deep into the important details of topics covered to provide a solid understanding of the basics of bone biology. Bone biology researchers who also train undergraduate and graduate students in the lab will use this book constantly to orient new students on the basics of the field and as a background reference for many of the technical aspects of qualification in bone biology (e.g., mechanics, histomorphometry, genetic modification, biochemistry, etc.). Presents an in-depth overview of skeletal biology, from molecular to organ level Offers refresher level content for clinicians or researchers outside their areas of expertise Includes updated and complete references Incorporates expanded study questions at the end of each chapter for further exploration Covers topics relevant to a modern course in skeletal biology