The book contains a series of about 40 articles reflecting the state-of-the-art of the topic "Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Erythropoietin". Results from both basic research and clinical studies are described in detail. The papers show that the possible therapeutic spectrum of erythropoietin could be expanded considerably when compared with the present situation.
The book contains a series of up-to-date review articles on the physiology and pathophysiology of the control of the production of red cells by the hormone erythropoietin. In addition, the results are reported of initial clinical trials using recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEpo) in the treatment of the anemia of renal failure. The introductory chapter briefly recalls the history of erythropoietin research. The following section on the chemistry and physiology covers details of the structure of the hormone, assay methods, the identification of renal and extrarenal sites of the production of erythropoietin by in situ hybridization and the hypoxic stimulation of its production. A special chapter is devoted to the regulation of erythropoiesis in the neonatal period. There follows a section on pathophysiology, which includes respiratory, renal and malignant diseases in humans. In the final section the pharmacology of rhuEpo is considered. The strategy of the cloning and in vitro expression of the erythropoietin gene is described. Four chapters summarize clinical observations of the effects of rhuEpo in the correction of the anemia of renal failure, including the rise in hematocrit, blood viscosity and possibly hypertension, and the increased physical work capacity of the patients. The monograph will prove useful not only to investigators working in the basic fields of physiology, pharmacology and endocrinology, but also to practising physicians, especially hematologists and nephrologists, who are interested in erythropoietin for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
This volume focuses on pharmaceutical biotechnology as a key area of life sciences. The complete range of concepts, processes and technologies of biotechnology is applied in modern industrial pharmaceutical research, development and production. The results of genome sequencing and studies of biological-genetic function are combined with chemical, micro-electronic and microsystem technology to produce medical devices and diagnostic biochips. A multitude of biologically active molecules is expanded by additional novel structures created with newly arranged gene clusters and bio-catalytic chemical processes. New organisational structures in the co-operation of institutes, companies and networks enable faster knowledge and product development and immediate application of the results of research and process development. This book is the ideal source of information for scientists and engineers in research and development, for decision-makers in biotech, pharma and chemical corporations, as well as for research institutes, but also for founders of biotech companies and people working for venture capital corporations.
Mechanical ventilation and weaning is one of the most common procedures carried out in critically ill patients. Appropriate management of these patients is of paramount importance to improve the outcome in terms of both morbidity and mortality. This book offers the physiological and clinical basis required to improve the care delivered to patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Despite numerous recent studies and exciting discoveries in the field, only limited treatment is available today for the victims of acute neurological injuries. Animal Models of Acute Neurological Injuries provides a standardized methodology manual designed to eliminate the inconsistent preparations and variability that currently jeopardizes advances in the field. Contributed by top experts and many original developers of the models, each chapter contains a step-by-step, proven procedure and visual aids covering the most commonly used animal models of neurological injury in order to highlight the practical applications of animal models rather than the theoretical issues. This intensive volume presents its readily reproducible protocols with great clarity and consistency to best aid neuroscientists and neurobiologists in laboratory testing and experimentation. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Animal Models of Acute Neurological Injuries is an ideal guide for scientists and researchers who wish to pursue this vital course of study with the proficiency and precision that the field requires.
Within the last few years, iron research has yielded exciting new insights into the understanding of normal iron homeostasis. Such development, and the evolution of improved strategies of Iron Chelating Therapy require better understanding of the pathophysiology of iron toxicity and the mechanism of action of iron chelating drugs. The timeliness of the present volume is underlined by several significant developments in recent years. New insights have been gained into the molecular basis of aberrant iron handling in hereditary disorders and the pathophysiology of iron overload. This volume highlights the impact of long term Iron Celating Therapy using deferoxamine or the new, but controversial oral iron chelator deferiprone based on experience gained by multicenter trails, with special emphasis on survival, morbidity and drug toxicity; it reviews the development of the new and improved orally effective chelators suitable for clinical use in the near future and examines novel strategies of iron chelating treatment for the control of cell proliferation in malignant disease or malaria.
