Cooperation of Liver Cells in Health and Disease
Cooperation of Liver Cells in Health and Disease

Author: Z. Kmiec

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-06-29

Total Pages: 154

ISBN-13: 3642565530

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It is only during the last decade that the functions of sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, pit cells and other intrahepatic lymphocytes have been better understood. The development of methods for isolation and co-culturing various types of liver cells has established that they communicate and cooperate via secretion of various intercellular mediators. This monograph summarizes multiple data that suggest the important role of cellular cross-talk for the functions of both normal and diseased liver. Special features of the book include concise presentation of the majority of detailed data in 19 tables. Original schemes allow for the clear illustration of complicated intercellular relationships. This is the first ever presentation of the newly emerging field of liver biology, which is important for hepatic function in health and disease and opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and the Immune Response
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and the Immune Response

Author: John L. Ninnemann

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1988-09-30

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 0521334837

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This study looks at the way the products of arachidonic acid metabolism are active both in normal and abnormal immune responses. While some of the fundamental issues such as whether lymphocytes are capable of producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes are still hotly debated, the evidence is overwhelming that many specific immunological problems and disease states are associated with alterations in the normal balance of arachidonic acid metabolism. This book provides a review of the history and chemistry of the arachidonic acid cascade as well as an exhaustive survey of the literature concerning the interaction of arachidonic acid metabolites with cells of the immune system. The author also presents and discusses the evidence demonstrating prostaglandin and leukotriene participation in response to injury and in malignancy, tissue and organ rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmunity and allergy.

Indoor Allergens
Indoor Allergens

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1993-02-01

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 0309048311

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More than 50 million Americans, one out of five, suffer from hay fever, asthma, and other allergic diseases. Many of these conditions are caused by exposure to allergens in indoor environments such as the house, work, and schoolâ€"where we spend as much as 98 percent of our time. Developed by medical, public health, and engineering professionals working together, this unique volume summarizes what is known about indoor allergens, how they affect human health, the magnitude of their effect on various populations, and how they can be controlled. The book addresses controversies, recommends research directions, and suggests how to assist and educate allergy patients, as well as professionals. Indoor Allergens presents a wealth of information about common indoor allergens and their varying effects, from significant hay fever to life-threatening asthma. The volume discusses sources of allergens, from fungi and dust mites to allergenic chemicals, plants, and animals, and examines practical measures for their control. Indoor Allergens discusses how the human airway and immune system respond to inhaled allergens and assesses patient testing methods, covering the importance of the patient's medical history and outlining procedures and approaches to interpretation for skin tests, in vitro diagnostic tests, and tests of patients' pulmonary function. This comprehensive and practical volume will be important to allergists and other health care providers; public health professionals; specialists in building design, construction, and maintenance; faculty and students in public health; and interested allergy patients.

Military Strategies for Sustainment of Nutrition and Immune Function in the Field
Military Strategies for Sustainment of Nutrition and Immune Function in the Field

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1999-05-13

Total Pages: 722

ISBN-13: 0309173183

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Every aspect of immune function and host defense is dependent upon a proper supply and balance of nutrients. Severe malnutrition can cause significant alteration in immune response, but even subclinical deficits may be associated with an impaired immune response, and an increased risk of infection. Infectious diseases have accounted for more off-duty days during major wars than combat wounds or nonbattle injuries. Combined stressors may reduce the normal ability of soldiers to resist pathogens, increase their susceptibility to biological warfare agents, and reduce the effectiveness of vaccines intended to protect them. There is also a concern with the inappropriate use of dietary supplements. This book, one of a series, examines the impact of various types of stressors and the role of specific dietary nutrients in maintaining immune function of military personnel in the field. It reviews the impact of compromised nutrition status on immune function; the interaction of health, exercise, and stress (both physical and psychological) in immune function; and the role of nutritional supplements and newer biotechnology methods reported to enhance immune function. The first part of the book contains the committee's workshop summary and evaluation of ongoing research by Army scientists on immune status in special forces troops, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The rest of the book contains papers contributed by workshop speakers, grouped under such broad topics as an introduction to what is known about immune function, the assessment of immune function, the effect of nutrition, and the relation between the many and varied stresses encountered by military personnel and their effect on health.

Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis

Author: Marinos C. Dalakas

Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 362

ISBN-13: 1483163040

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Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis provides extensive information regarding Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis (PM/DM), which is described as a heterogeneous disease complex. This book is divided into four sections: Part I (Clinical Features) covers the classification of PM/DM, details of the clinical presentation, and the disease's association with the other connective tissue disorders and malignancies. Part II (Etiology and Mechanisms) covers advances in the immunopathology and viral etiology of PM/DM along with a frequently recognized entity: inclusion body myositis. Part III (Diagnosis and Treatment) covers the histologic, muscle enzyme histochemical, electron microscopic, and resin histology features of PM/DM along with those electromyographic features that could help make a more accurate diagnosis. Part IV (Overview) summarizes the issues that may not have been clear and highlights differing and unsettled views or present available data. This text is directed to clinicians in private practice or in academic institutions concerned with PM/DM patients, including neurologists, rheumatologists, pediatricians, dermatologists, physiatrists, and neuromuscular investigators. This book is intended as well for neuromuscular pathologists who interpret muscle biopsy specimens and electromyographers who perform EMG studies to help determine the clinical diagnosis. Researchers in immunology and immunopathology of neuromuscular diseases will find discussions in this book invaluable.

Severe Asthma
Severe Asthma

Author: Kian Fan Chung

Publisher: European Respiratory Society

Published: 2019-06-01

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 1849841047

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Severe asthma is a form of asthma that responds poorly to currently available medication, and its patients represent those with greatest unmet needs. In the last 10 years, substantial progress has been made in terms of understanding some of the mechanisms that drive severe asthma; there have also been concomitant advances in the recognition of specific molecular phenotypes. This ERS Monograph covers all aspects of severe asthma – epidemiology, diagnosis, mechanisms, treatment and management – but has a particular focus on recent understanding of mechanistic heterogeneity based on an analytic approach using various ‘omics platforms applied to clinically well-defined asthma cohorts. How these advances have led to improved management targets is also emphasised. This book brings together the clinical and scientific expertise of those from around the world who are collaborating to solve the problem of severe asthma.

The Resolution of Inflammation
The Resolution of Inflammation

Author: Adriano Rossi

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-03-17

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 376437506X

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This book provides readers with an up-to-date and comprehensive view on the resolution of inflammation and on new developments in this area, including pro-resolution mediators, apoptosis, macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells, possible novel drug developments.

Nutrient Modulation of the Immune Response
Nutrient Modulation of the Immune Response

Author: Cunningham-Rund

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1992-09-22

Total Pages: 584

ISBN-13: 9780824784485

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This book demonstrates that nutrients play a direct role as co-factors and regulators of the immune system. The book also shows that modulating the immune response with nutrients can provide a fundamental approach to preventive medicine.;Containing nearly 2300 bibliographic citations as well as illustrative figures, tables, and micrographs, this book is designed to be of interest to clinical immunologists, immunology and vitamin researchers, nutrition specialists, paediatricians, neonatologists, and upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students in these disciplines.

The Eicosanoids
The Eicosanoids

Author: Peter Curtis-Prior

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2004-07-16

Total Pages: 654

ISBN-13: 047002061X

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This comprehensive reference work, updated from the first edition, brings together the knowledge and expertise of contributors from around the world. It includes new topics such as prostaglandin synthetase enzyme, new synthetic eicosanoids, innovative analytical methods, the influence of cytokines in the regulation of synthesis and actions, newer eicosanoids that influence the cardiovascular system, and newly discovered roles in reproduction and interactions with nitric oxide. This book satisfies a surge of interest in prostaglandins—NSAIDS (e.g. aspirin) are the biggest selling drugs of all time, and the field has been refreshed by the advent of new types (selective COX-2 inhibitors, anti-leukotiene drugs).

Inflammation
Inflammation

Author: Andrzej Górski

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2001-11-30

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 9781402000867

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This book represents an excellent, updated review on selected topics, ideas, hypotheses, and therapeutic strategies in the aetiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory phenomena. The introductory article reveals the nature of the immune status of critically ill patients and proposes the usefulness of immuno-stimulating therapy. The next series of articles deals with the role of cytokines in mediating cell functions in immunity and inflammation. The complexity of the prostaglandin function, the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and their control, as well as the inflammatory response to Mycobacteria, are critically evaluated. In addition, therapeutic strategies in infection and inflammation, including application of cytokines and anti-apoptotic factors, are proposed. These also include phage therapy, whose renaissance is associated with the recent worsening problem of resistance to antibiotics. The book is addressed to scientists involved in biomedical research, hospital doctors, and medical students interested in the immunology of inflammation.