This open access book focuses on the molecular mechanism of congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, offering new insights into the development of pulmonary circulation and the ductus arteriosus. It describes in detail the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and morphogenesis of the heart, lungs and ductus arteriosus, covering a range of topics such as gene functions, growth factors, transcription factors and cellular interactions, as well as stem cell engineering technologies. The book also presents recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of lung development, pulmonary hypertension and molecular regulation of the ductus arteriosus. As such, it is an ideal resource for physicians, scientists and investigators interested in the latest findings on the origins of congenital heart disease and potential future therapies involving pulmonary circulation/hypertension and the ductus arteriosus.

The endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells, constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system, and therefore is in direct contact with the blood/lymph and the circulating cells. The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone, a major actor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and an endocrine organ. Endothelial cells controls vascular tone, and thereby blood flow, by synthesizing and releasing relaxing and contracting factors such as nitric oxide, metabolites of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 pathways, various peptides (endothelin, urotensin, CNP, adrenomedullin, etc.), adenosine, purines, reactive oxygen species and so on. Additionally, endothelial ectoenzymes are required steps in the generation of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II. An endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or the release of these various endothelial factors may explain the initiation of cardiovascular pathologies (from hypertension to atherosclerosis) or their development and perpetuation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells / Calcium Signaling in Vascular Cells and Cell-to-Cell Communications / Endothelium-Dependent Regulation of Vascular Tone / Conclusion / References

The endothelium enables communication between blood and tissues and is actively involved in cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction has been recognized as an early step in the development of cardiovascular diseases: respectively, endothelium represents a potential therapeutic niche with multiple targets. The purpose of the book is to point out some recent findings of endothelial physiology and pathophysiology emphasizing various aspects of endothelial dysfunction connected to the body's internal and external environment. While basic features of the endothelium are presented in an introductory chapter, the authors of the following 17 chapters have provided extensive insight into some selected topics of endothelial (dys)function. The book would hopefully be useful for anyone interested in recapitulating endothelial (patho)physiology and expanding knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction, relevant also for further clinical investigations.

The first book to systematically integrate knowledge about the endothelium from different organ-specific disciplines.

This book provides a comprehensive review of the structure, function and pathophysiology of the pulmonary vasculature. Emerging evidence reveals the multifaceted roles played by the pulmonary vasculature. To reflect those roles, the individual chapters address topics ranging from pulmonary blood vessel development to vascular endothelial apoptosis, and delve deeply into our current understanding of various aspects of the pulmonary vasculature.

New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.

The Pulmonary Endothelium is a uniquely comprehensive compendium of our current knowledge of the pulmonary endothelium and is the first book dedicated specifically to the subject, offering insights into current and future approaches to management. The text provides the clinician with the most up-to-date information on one of the core physiological processes in airway disease and is an ideal point of reference for both postgraduates and professionals – specialist physicians in pulmonology and allergy and workers in biomedical and pharmaceutical research.

Covers endothelial biology from the fundamentals of structure and lung fluid balance physiology to descriptions of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of lung failure. This illustrated text provides the knowledge of endothelial function, vascular integrity, pulmonary function, and pathophysiology in respiratory failure.

This reference surveys current best practices in the prevention and management of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and spans the many pathways and mechanisms of VILI including cell injury and repair, the modulation of alveolar-capillary barrier properties, and lung and systemic inflammatory consequences of injurous mechanical ventilation. Cons

This book provides a broad overview of the molecular mechanisms associated with relevant and significant cardiovascular conditions that continue to plague humanity. It also discusses potential and promising therapeutic avenues targeted at addressing these conditions. The overarching goal of this multifaceted work is to entice future and current members of the scientific community to direct their endeavors towards improving our current knowledge of cardiovascular disease conditions and curb their impact on our everyday lives.