The Endothelium

The Endothelium
Author: Michel Félétou
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
Total Pages: 309
Release: 2011
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1615041230

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

Nitric Oxide in the Nervous System

Nitric Oxide in the Nervous System
Author:
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 333
Release: 1995-04-07
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0080537553

The gas nitric oxide (NO) has burst upon neuroscience only recently, and yet it has permeated into almost every avenue of current research. The unique properties of this novel messenger have revolutionized our way ofthinking about neurotransmission. These special properties have also lead neuroscientists to invoke NO to explain many previously unexplained phenomena in neurobiology. Fortunately, the development of numerous pharmacological agents is now allowing thesehypotheses to be tested.This volume will provide a synopsis of what is now known about NO. How and where NO is produced, how it acts at the molecular level to activate the synthesis of cGMP, and the possible targets of cGMP in the nervous system are reviewed. The roles of theNO/cGMP signal transduction pathway in the central and peripheral nervous systems, in glial cells, and in neuropathology are then explored. Together, these reviews will lead to further work explaining the varied functions of NO.Key Features* Describes how and why NO is produced in the nervous system* Examines all that is known of NOs role as a neurotransmitter* Explores cellular actions and physiological roles in the brain and peripheral nervous systemCovers NOs molecular synthesis to its role in neuropathology

Systems Biology of Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Systems Biology of Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Author: Ismail Laher
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014-06-16
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9783642300172

The focus of this collection of illustrated reviews is to discuss the systems biology of free radicals and anti-oxidants. Free radical induced cellular damage in a variety of tissues and organs is reviewed, with detailed discussion of molecular and cellular mechanisms. The collection is aimed at those new to the field, as well as clinicians and scientists with long standing interests in free radical biology. A feature of this collection is that the material also brings insights into various diseases where free radicals are thought to play a role. There is extensive discussion of the success and limitations of the use of antioxidants in several clinical settings.

Radicals for Life

Radicals for Life
Author: Ernst van Faassen
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 444
Release: 2011-10-13
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080489591

Radicals for Life: the Various Forms of Nitric Oxide provides an up-to-date overview of the role of nitrosocompounds and nitrosyl-iron complexes in physiology. Nitrosocompounds can be considered as stabilised forms of nitric oxide, one of the most important regulatory molecules in physiology today. Many nitrosocompounds share some of the physiological functions of nitric oxide, and may be formed inside living organisms. This is the first book to be published that is dedicated to the role of such nitrosocompounds in physiology, with particular emphasis on the nitrosocompounds that are endogenously formed in higher organisms and humans. Points of discussion include: physical and chemical properties of the compounds, the main chemical pathways in vivo, as well as the physiological effects that have been recognised to date. Each of the nineteen chapters is written by distinguished specialists in the field, well known for their original and important contributions to the subject. Also included are results from a wide range of studies in vitro, in cell cultures, animal models and human volunteers. Examples of alternative forms of nitric oxide, with special emphasis on their protective role against widespread human diseases like atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, and renal insufficiency to stroke and ischemia are also included. - First monograph to consider and provide an overview of endogenous nitrosocompounds and nitrosyl-iron complexes - Extensive bibliographic references, written by specialists of human physiology - Providing high scientific quality with a focus on implications for human diseases

Endothelial Dysfunction

Endothelial Dysfunction
Author: Helena Lenasi
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 432
Release: 2018-10-24
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1789842530

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.

Index Medicus

Index Medicus
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 2454
Release: 2004
Genre: Medicine
ISBN:

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.

New therapeutic targets for human placental angiogenesis diseases

New therapeutic targets for human placental angiogenesis diseases
Author: Carlos Alonso Escudero
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 114
Release: 2015-04-15
Genre: Science (General)
ISBN: 2889194612

A large number of publications have described impaired angiogenesis and vasculogenesis present in the feto-placental circulation after pregnancy diseases such as pre-eclamptic pregnancies, gestational diabetes, and intrauterine growth restriction, among others. Results suggest impaired secretion and activity of pro-angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin 8 (IL-8), adenosine and nitric oxide, associates with compromised secretion and activity of anti-angiogenic factors such as soluble receptor of VEGF (sFlt-1), thrombospondin 2, endostatin among others. More recent evidences include the participation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), which circulating number is reduced infeto-placental circulation in pregnancies such as pre-eclampsia. Despite this knowledge, therapies for placental angiogenesis recovery during pathological pregnancies are far to be tested. However, from the cardiovascular field, it has been described the administration of EPC, alone or used as gene-transfer therapy; or it has been described the potential role of statins (HMGCoA inhibitors), or angiotensin-converter enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for enhancing angiogenesis. Finally, feto-placental tissue is an exceptional source of progenitor and stem cells, which could be used for treated other human diseases such as stroke, myocardial infarction, hypertension, or even cancer. In this research topic, authors highlight physiopatological and clinical importance of the impaired placental angiogenesis, and suggest potential targets for developing innovative therapies.

Nitric Oxide Synthase: Characterization and Functional Analysis

Nitric Oxide Synthase: Characterization and Functional Analysis
Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 375
Release: 1996-09-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080536379

Although the function of nitric oxide in a regulatory capacity in the central and peripheral nervous system is widely recognized, the full scope of its actions and its interrelationships with other classes of regulatory molecules is just beginning to be comprehended. This volume contains a number of sophisticated and advanced methods essential for exploring the activity of nitric oxide in the brain. It will be a valuable tool for the established investigator and for those just entering the field. - Comprehensive protocols included for detection of NO and related compounds by chemical, immunohistochemical, and in situ hybridization techniques - Newly developed methods for the purification of neuronal and endothelial NO synthase, production of monoclonal antibodies to NO synthase, molecular cloning and expression of NO synthesis, and control of NO synthase gene expression - Assessment of NO-mediated functions in neurons, central nervous system, cerebral circulation, synaptic transmission, and vascular tone - Calcium imaging by confocal microscopy, evaluation of the effect of NO on iron metabolism, and detection of heme oxygenase-1 and -2 message level and distribution

Heparanase

Heparanase
Author: Israel Vlodavsky
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 871
Release: 2020-04-09
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3030345211

Written by internationally recognized leaders in Heparanase biology, the book’s eight chapters offer an opportunity for scientists, clinicians and advanced students in cell biology, tumor biology and oncology to obtain a comprehensive understanding of Heparanase’s multifaceted activities in cancer, inflammation, diabetes and other diseases, as well as its related clinical applications. Proteases and their involvement in cancer progression have been well addressed and documented; however, the emerging premise presented within this book is that Heparanase is a master regulator of aggressive cancer phenotypes and crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment. This endoglycosidase contributes to tumor-mediated remodeling of the extracellular matrix and cell surfaces, augmenting the bioavailability of pro-tumorigenic and pro-inflammatory growth factors and cytokines that are bound to Heparan sulfate. Compelling evidence ties Heparanase with all steps of tumor progression including tumor initiation, growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance, supporting the notion that Heparanase is an important contributor to the poor outcome of cancer patients and a validated target for therapy. Unlike Heparanase, heparanase-2, a close homolog of Heparanase, lacks enzymatic activity, inhibits Heparanase, and regulates selected genes that promote normal differentiation and tumor suppression. Written by internationally recognized leaders in Heparanase biology, this volume presents a comprehensive understanding of Heparanase’s multifaceted activities in cancer, inflammation, diabetes and other diseases, as well as its related clinical applications to scientists, clinicians and advanced students in cell biology, tumor biology and oncology.