Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have been recognized primarily as autocrine/paracrine factors that regulate embryonic development and organogenesis. However, recent studies have revealed that some FGFs function as endocrine factors and regulate various metabolic processes in adulthood. Such FGFs, collectively called endocrine FGFs, are comprised of three members (FGF15/19, FGF21, and FGF23: FGF15 is the mouse ortholog of human FGF19). These endocrine FGFs share a common structural feature that enables the endocrine mode of action at the expense of the affinity to FGF receptors. To restore the affinity to FGF receptors in their target organs, the endocrine FGFs have designated the Klotho family of transmembrane proteins as obligate co-receptors. By expressing Klothos in a tissue-specific manner, this unique co-receptor system also enables the endocrine FGFs to specify their target organs among many tissues that express FGF receptors.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 describes how FGF23 was initially identified as a bone-derived factor targeting the kidney. As such, sections in this comprehensive book cover exciting research that shows that different FGF23 effects require distinct signaling receptors and mediators that differ among target tissues, cover FGF23 initially identified as a bone-derived factor targeting the kidney, look at FGF23 as a regulator of phosphate metabolism and beyond, and cover research on novel concepts of FGF receptor signaling. Additional sections cover biochemistry, pharmacology and nephrology, making this book an ideal reference source on FGF23. - Provides a comprehensive collection of chapters on the diversity of FGF23's actions - Highlights truly translational topics, from molecular signaling to physiology and mechanism of disease, discussing cell culture and animal models to study FGF23 - Describes FGF23's potential in the clinical setting as a biomarker or even drug target - Presents leaders in the field who cover a wide spectrum of research backgrounds and expertise, including clinical and basic scientists who specialize in diseases, endocrinology, genetics, protein biochemistry, cell biology and physiology

We present to our readers the proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Phosphate. A short account of the history of the effort led to the Phosphate Workshops is appro priate and can be of interest to the reader. The idea for Phosphate Workshops was born in the early days of November, 1974. One of us (S. G. M. ) suggested the thought to a group of scientists gathered for a luncheon in one of the attrac tive small restaurants in Weisbaden, Germany. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together interested scientists to discuss the newer developments and the recent advances in the field of phosphate metabolism and the other related minerals. An Organizing Committee made of Shaul G. Massry (USA), Louis V. Avioli (USA), Philippe Bordier (France), Herbert Fleisch (Switzerland), and Eduardo Slatopolsky (USA) was formed. The First Workshop was held in Paris during June 5-6, 1975 and was hosted by Dr. Philippe Bordier. Its proceeding was already published. The Second Workshop took place in Heidelberg during June 28-30, 1976 and was hosted by Dr. Eberhard Ritz. Both of these workshops were extremely successful scientific endeavors, and the need for them was demonstrated by the great interest they generated among the scientific community. The Or ganizing Committee, therefore, decided to continue with the tradi tion to hold additional Workshops annually or every other year.

In the past decade there has been a major sea change in the way disease is diagnosed and investigated due to the advent of high throughput technologies, such as microarrays, lab on a chip, proteomics, genomics, lipomics, metabolomics etc. These advances have enabled the discovery of new and novel markers of disease relating to autoimmune disorders, cancers, endocrine diseases, genetic disorders, sensory damage, intestinal diseases etc. In many instances these developments have gone hand in hand with the discovery of biomarkers elucidated via traditional or conventional methods, such as histopathology or clinical biochemistry. Together with microprocessor-based data analysis, advanced statistics and bioinformatics these markers have been used to identify individuals with active disease or pathology as well as those who are refractory or have distinguishing pathologies. New analytical methods that have been used to identify markers of disease and is suggested that there may be as many as 40 different platforms. Unfortunately techniques and methods have not been readily transferable to other disease states and sometimes diagnosis still relies on single analytes rather than a cohort of markers. There is thus a demand for a comprehensive and focused evidenced-based text and scientific literature that addresses these issues. Hence the formulation of Biomarkers in Disease. The series covers a wide number of areas including for example, nutrition, cancer, endocrinology, cardiology, addictions, immunology, birth defects, genetics and so on. The chapters are written by national or international experts and specialists.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Clifford J. Rosen, M.D., Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Juliet E. Compston, M.D., FRCP, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom Jane B. Lian, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts This comprehensive yet concise handbook is an indispensable reference for the many clinicians who see patients with disorders of bone formation, metabolic bone diseases, or disorders of stone formation. It is also a crucial tool for researchers, students, and all other professionals working in the bone field. In a format designed for quick reference, it provides complete information on the symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of all common and rare bone and mineral disorders. New in this edition: detailed coverage of osteonecrosis of the jaw, more in-depth coverage of cancer and bone including new approaches to pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment; new approaches to anabolic therapy of osteoporosis; the latest research on Vitamin D; expanded coverage of international topics; more on the genetics of bone mass; and newer imaging techniques for the skeleton. In addition, this edition features a free, online-only appendix of medicines used to treat bone disorders and their availability around the world.

This concise book provides practical strategies to help nephrologists and endocrinologists correctly diagnose and treat the various forms of parathyroid disease they may encounter in the management of chronic kidney disease. Each chapter deals with various topics related to parathyroid gland anatomy and physiology, as well as diagnostic tests and their particularities in regard to chronic disease. The book highlights the range of therapies used for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and critically analyses the latest research in the field. Providing an up-to-date review of the current literature, including innovations in both medical and surgical treatment and current indications for parathyroidectomy, this practice-oriented book is an excellent resource for nephrologists, endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons and family medicine physicians.

αKlotho and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) were discovered independently about 20 years ago. Since their initial description, a series of exciting discoveries have revealed the important role of endocrine and paracrine FGF23 and αKlotho signaling not only for the physiological regulation of mineral and bone homeostasis, but also for the pathophysiology of diseases such as chronic kidney disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and disorders characterized by impaired bone mineralization. The 11 articles compiled in this Research Topic consist of three Original Research articles and 8 Reviews or Mini Reviews, and are an excellent source of information about the state of the art in the FGF23/αKlotho field, covering almost all aspects of FGF23/αKlotho biology.

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge of the physiology of the endocrine system and hormone synthesis and release, transport, and action at the molecular and cellular levels. It presents essential as well as in-depth information of value to both medical students and specialists in Endocrinology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Although it is well established that the endocrine system regulates essential functions involved in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, it is increasingly being recognized that this complex regulatory system comprises not only hormones secreted by the classic endocrine glands but also hormones and regulatory factors produced by many organs, and involves extensive crosstalk with the neural and immune system. At the same time, our knowledge of the molecular basis of hormone action has greatly improved. Understanding this complexity of endocrine physiology is crucial to prevent endocrine disorders, to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic tools, and to provide the rationale for pharmacological, immunological, or genetic interventions. It is such understanding that this book is designed to foster.

Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Abdominal Obesity focuses on the important roles that exercise, dietary changes, and foods play in promoting as well as reducing visceral fat. Nutritionists, dieticians, and healthcare providers seeking to address the abdominal obesity epidemic will use this comprehensive resource as a tool in their long-term goal of preventing chronic diseases, especially heart, vascular, and diabetic diseases. Experts from a broad range of disciplines are involved in dealing with the consequences of excessive abdominal fat: cardiology, diabetes research, studies of lipids, endocrinology and metabolism, nutrition, obesity, and exercise physiology. They have contributed chapters that define a range of dietary approaches to reducing risk and associated chronic diseases. They begin by defining visceral obesity and its major outcomes; they also discuss the importance and the challenges of dietary approaches to reduce abdominal obesity, as compared to clinical approaches, with major costs and risks. - Offers detailed, well-documented reviews outlining the various dietary approaches to visceral obesity with their benefits and failures - Includes chapters on types of foods, exercise, and supplements in reducing obesity and its chronic clinical companions, especially diabetes and cardiovascular disease - Helps nutritionists, dieticians, and healthcare providers approach patients in making decision about nutritional therapies and clinical treatments for abdominal obesity, from an evidence-based perspective