TNF is a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine central to the development and homeostasis of the immune system and a regulator of cell activation, differentiation and death. Recent decades have seen an enormous scientific and clinical interest in the function of TNF in physiology and disease. A vast amount of data has been accumulated at the biochemical, molecular and cellular level, establishing TNF as a prototype for in-depth understanding of the physiological and pathogenic functions of cytokines. This volume covers several current aspects of TNF regulation and function, including transcriptional and posttranscriptional control mechanisms, cellular modes of action, signaling networks that mediate its effect, involvement in pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of TNF antagonists. It combines basic science at the molecular and cellular level with research in animal models of disease and clinical findings to provide a comprehensive review of recent developments in TNF biology. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms by which this key molecular player is produced and functions to regulate cell biology, immunity and disease postulates novel paradigms on how genes contribute to the development and physiology of biological systems.

Obesity is a hugely expensive and increasing problem worldwide,leading to disability, reproductive problems, depression andaccelerated metabolic and vascular diseases in a large proportionof men, women and children. The ABC of Obesity is a newguide which will aid its effective management, addressing issuessuch as dieting, exercise, self esteem, drug treatment and surgery.Recent evidence is used to highlight frequent problems, successfultreatment options, and the most common causes. Written by leading experts, this is a widely accessible text andan indispensable guide for all general practitioners, juniordoctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who areinvolved in the treatment and research of this commoncondition.

Comprehensive and up-to-date clinical reference, with an emphasis on treatment.

A practical guide to perioperative cognitive disorders, the most common complications of anesthesia and surgery in older people.

This comprehensive reference provides a detailed overview of current concepts regarding the cause of Parkinson's disease-emphasizing the issues involved in the design, implementation, and analysis of epidemiological studies of parkinsonism.

Role of Nutraceuticals in Chemoresistance to Cancer, Volume Two, focuses on nutraceuticals, the compounds derived from natural sources, which are usually multi-targeted as a means to overcome chemoresistance. This book discusses the role of several compounds related to nutraceuticals and chemoresistance, such as curcumin, resveratrol, indole 3-carbinol, tocotrienols, ursolic acid, fisetin, celastrol, gambogic, butein, catechins and silymarin. It is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists and members of several areas of the biomedical field who are interested in understanding how to use nutraceuticals as a sensitizing agent for chemotherapy. - Brings updated information on natural compounds used as specific inhibitors of cell signaling pathways as reviewed by experts in the field - Presents experts analysis and summary of reported and novel findings and potential translational application in cancer patients - Describes molecular mechanisms with new and helpful approaches for the readers to use in their own investigations

Cytokines are soluble mediators of intercellular communication. They contribute to a chemical signalling language that regulates development, tissue repair, haemopoiesis, inflammation and the immune response. Potent cytokine polypepides have pleiotropic activities and functional redundancy.They act in a complex network where one cytokine can influence the production of, and response to, many other cytokines. In the past five years, this bewildering array of more than 100 effector molecules and associated cell surface receptors has been simplified by study of cytokine and cytokinereceptor structure; elucidation of convergent intracellular signalling pathways; and molecular genetics, and targeted gene disruption to 'knock-out' production of individual cytokines in mice. It is also now clear that the pathophysiology of infectious, autoimmune and malignant disease can bepartially explained by the induction of cytokines and the subsequent cellular response. Viral homologues exist for many cytokines and receptors and genetic variations in cytokine production may influence response to pathogenic stimuli. Cytokine and cytokine antagonists have shown therapeuticpotential in a number of chronic and acute diseases. The Cytokine Network: Frontiers in Molecular Biology is not a survey of individual cytokines, but guides the reader through the latest research on the cytokine network as a whole covering genomics, signalling pathways, control of the immuneresponse, and therapeutics.

Chronic diseases are increasingly recognized as involving low grade inflammation, that is, a self-perpetuating tissue response to stress caused by exogenous or endogenous triggers, that progressively evokes danger-associated molecular pattern release, ultimately driving tissue damage and loss of function. This response is frequently unapparent clinically, thus the designation "low grade". This eBook comprises nineteen reviews and original articles that provide the most updated knowledge on the causes and roles of this inflammatory response in a variety of diseases and conditions. The editorial that precedes these articles not only summarizes each one, but provides a broader interpretation of the role of inflammation in health and a variety of disease conditions, the underlying mechanisms and the targets more promising for therapy. Finally, it also highlights the most relevant and emerging research topics that are already shaping future directions for the development of more fine-tuned and innovative therapies.

The fourth edition of The Cytokine Handbook provides an encyclopedic coverage of the molecules that induce and regulate immune responses. Expanded to two volumes, the scope of the book has been broadened to include a major emphasis on the clinical applications of cytokines. The early chapters discuss individual cytokines, chemokines and receptors. Additional chapters discuss the clinical implications and applications of cytokines, including cytokine gene transfer, antisense therapy and assay systems.