The first demonstration of the existence of a vitamin and the full recognition of this fact are often attributed to the work of McCollum, who found that a sub stance in butterfat and cod-liver oil was necessary for growth and health of ani mals fed purified diets. It became obvious that an organic substance present in microconcentrations was vital to growth and reproduction of animals. Following the coining of the word vitamine by Funk, McCollum named this fat-soluble sub stance vitamin A. We can, therefore, state that vitamin A was certainly one of the first known vitamins, yet its function and the function of the other fat-soluble vitamins had remained largely unknown until recent years. However, there has been an explosion of investigation and new information in this field, which had remained quiescent for at least two or three decades. It is now obvious that the fat-soluble vitamins function quite differently from their water-soluble counter parts. We have learned that vitamin D functions by virtue of its being converted in the kidney to a hormone that functions to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism. This new endocrine system is in the process of being elucidated in detail, and in addition, the medical use of these hormonal forms of vitamin D in the treatment of a variety of metabolic bone diseases has excited the medical com munity.

The Retinoids: Biology, Biochemistry, and Disease provides an overview and synthesis of the retinoid molecules, from basic biology to mechanisms of diseases and therapy. Divided into five sections, the book covers retinoic acid signaling from biochemical, genetic, developmental, and clinical perspectives. The text is divided into five sections, the first of which examines vitamin A metabolic and enzymatic pathways. Focus then shifts to the role of retinoic acid signaling in development, and then to retinoids and physiological function. The book concludes with chapters on retinoids, disease and therapy. Comprehensive in scope and written by leading researchers in the field, The Retinoids: Biology, Biochemistry, and Disease will be an essential reference for biologists, biochemists, geneticists and developmental biologists, as well as for clinicians and pharmacists engaged in clinical research involving retinoids.

Retinoid Signaling Pathways, Volume 637, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Sections in this release include The chemistry and biochemistry of Vitamin A and its natural derivative, Biosynthesis of retinoic acids, Biodegration of retinoic acids mediated by retinoid binding proteins, Retinoic acid homeostasis, Cryo Electron Microscopy to study retinol update via the STRA6 receptor, Immuno-detection of retinoic acid synthesis enzymes in the brain, classical pathway of gene regulation by retinoids, Protein-protein interactions in the regulation of retinoid acid receptors activity, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series - Includes the latest information on retinoid signaling pathways

The first of its kind, this reference gives a comprehensive but concise introduction to epigenetics before covering the many interactions between hormone regulation and epigenetics at all levels. The contents are very well structured with no overlaps between chapters, and each one features supplementary material for use in presentations. Throughout, major emphasis is placed on pathological conditions, aiming at the many physiologists and developmental biologists who are familiar with the importance and mechanisms of hormone regulation but have a limited background in epigenetics.

The FactsBook Series has established itself as the best source of easily accessible and accurate facts about protein groups. They use an easy-to-follow format and are researched and compiled by experts in the field. This Factsbook is devoted to nuclear receptors. The first section presents an introduction and describes the mode of action of the receptors in general. The second section of the book contains detailed entries covering each type of receptor. Entries provide information on: Nomenclature and structure, Isolation, DNA binding properties, Ligands, Expression, Target genes, Knockouts, Disease association, Gene structure, promoter and isoforms, Chromosomal location, Amino acid sequences, Key references

Medicinal Chemistry of Anticancer Drugs, Second Edition, provides an updated treatment from the point of view of medicinal chemistry and drug design, focusing on the mechanism of action of antitumor drugs from the molecular level, and on the relationship between chemical structure and chemical and biochemical reactivity of antitumor agents. Antitumor chemotherapy is a very active field of research, and a huge amount of information on the topic is generated every year. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is gradually being supplemented by a new generation of drugs that recognize specific targets on the surface or inside cancer cells, and resistance to antitumor drugs continues to be investigated. While these therapies are in their infancy, they hold promise of more effective therapies with fewer side effects. Although many books are available that deal with clinical aspects of cancer chemotherapy, this book provides a sorely needed update from the point of view of medicinal chemistry and drug design. - Presents information in a clear and concise way using a large number of figures - Historical background provides insights on how the process of drug discovery in the anticancer field has evolved - Extensive references to primary literature

The impact of the retinoids in clinical practice has primarily been in dermatology. When Dr Werner Bollag began his basic research and screening programme in the early 1960's, the expectation was that the retinoids would have a major impact on oncology. However, the laboratory and clinical experiences of Bollag and his colleagues in Switzerland, Stuttgen and Orfanos in Germany, led to publications on both etretinates (Tigason) and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the years between 1972 and 1976 in the field of dermatology. In fact the first symposium on retinoid research held in Berlin in 1981 was almost entirely dermatological. A year later a retinoid workshop in Iowa was designed to provide a forum for dermatolog ists from the USA involved in specific protocols investigating oral retinoids. In the UK, research into the retinoids began rather later than in Continental Europe or in the USA, although Tigason was first marketed here. It was felt in late 1982 that as many dermatologists had relatively little experience with these compounds it would be appropriate to hold an International Symposium on retinoid therapy in the UK. Thus on 16-18 May 1983 in London, 37 speakers from 11 countries addressed an audience of 300, aminly UK, dermatologists. The scientific organizing committee consisted of but two persons Dr William Cunliffe of Leeds General Infirmary, representing the European Society of Dermatolo gical Research, and myself from Roche Clinical Research. The Symposium was held under the auspices of the ESDR and of Roche Products Limited.

Reviews the recent breakthroughs in vitamin A research. Discusses the metabolism of vitamin A; the mechanism of action of vitamin A and the provitamin A carotenoids; the role of retinoids in embryonic development, skin and epithelial cells, blood cells, vision, and reproduction; vitamin A deficiency and teratogenicity; and the anticancer role of vitamin A from an epidemiological point of view. Intended as a source of information for scientists engaged in research in the field of vitamin A.

Retinoids are valuable drugs in the dermatologic armamentarium, being employed in daily clinical practice. The text provides an in-depth update on the latest thinking on pharmacology, clinical use, side effects, and follow-up of retinoid therapy in dermatology; it also addresses topics related to retinoid use in special circumstances, such as vulnerable populations, concomitant surgery, and aesthetic procedures. CONTENTS: The background of retinoids * Mechanism of action of vitamin A * Mechanism of action of topical retinoids * Mechanism of action of isotretinoin * Mechanism of action of acitretin * Mechanism of action of bexarotene * Mechanism of action of alitretinoin * Effects of retinoids at the cellular level (differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle regulation, and senescence) * Effects of retinoids at the systemic level * New aspects of isotretinoin teratogenicity * Mucocutaneous side effects * Ophthalmologic side effects * Musculoskeletal side effects * Neurologic side effects * Psychiatric side effects * Gastrointestinal side effects * Endocrine and metabolic side effecs * Other systemic side effects: Cardiovascular, pulmonary, otolaryngorhinologic, genitourinary, renal, and immunologic * Retinoids in acne * Retinoids in hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa * Retinoids in rosacea * Retinoids in hair disorders * Retinoids in psoriasis * Retinoids in keratinization disorders * Retinoids in antiaging therapy * Retinoids in other skin diseases * Retinoids in lymphoma * Retinoids in cutaneous chemoprophylaxis * Guide to good clinical practice for vulnerable populations (infancy, childhood, fertile period, elderly) * Retinoids and concomitant surgery * Retinoids and concomitant aesthetic procedures * Laboratory and clinical follow-up * Teratogenicity and registry programs * Management of vitamin A and retinoid side effects * Future and novel unexplored indications of retinoids Published in association with the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.