Calcium is a versatile carrier of signals regulating many aspects of cellular activity such as fertilization to create a new life and programmed cell death to end it. Calcium homeostasis is strictly controlled by channels, pumps and exchangers functioning as gates for calcium entry and release. Given that calcium is such a versatile messenger the field of calcium signaling is continuously and rapidly expanding. This book reviews the most recent developments in calcium signaling by leading experts in the field. It is a state-of-the-art summary of our present knowledge in this quickly growing field and provides insight into the impressive progress made in many areas of calcium signaling, while reminding us of how much remains to be learned.
Authors highlight several promising discoveries in the field of calcium signaling that provide new information about both genetic and acquired pathologies. Their discussions will give you new insights into the underlying causes of congenital and acquired diseases and point the way to new, even more promising research and therapies.
Hidden Epidemic Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers Author: Thomas E. Levy MD, JD Infected teeth, infected gums, infected tonsils, and even infected sinuses always cause enough discomfort to drive us to a physician or dentist, but none of these are life-threatening... right? Wrong! In fact, dead wrong! They often kill, and they typically do it in a silent fashion. The overwhelming evidence in Hidden Epidemic proves that these oral infections are responsible for most heart attacks and breast cancers, as well as a majority of other chronic degenerative diseases. And even more alarming is the fact that when these oral infections are asymptomatic ("silent"), which is usually the case, they are frequently even more deadly than when they hurt! New diagnostic tools, such as 3D Cone Beam Imaging, a relatively new diagnostic X-ray tool, reveals many of these pools of infection to a degree never before possible with regular X-ray examinations. Studies with this technology indicate that the prevalence of these oral pathologies is very common throughout the world. The good news is that there are effective treatments for these infections that are very inexpensive -- especially when compared to the costs of treating the degenerative diseases they seed and feed. Hidden Epidemic is an invaluable resource for lay people, physicians, and dentists who want a clear path away from the pain, suffering, and death associated with silent oral infections.
About the Book There are vast amounts of new data emerging in the study of calcium antagonist drugs. The major issues involved are no longer just the effects of calcium antagonist drugs in angina or hypertension but their possible postinfarct protective effects, both to provide prophylaxis and to improve left ventricular function. New trials have also changed our thinking. One major trial suggested that the use of one of these agents in postinfarct patients with no history of heart failure in the acute infarct stage was not only safe but could confer positive protection from reinfarction and possibly from sudden death. Another study, also in postinfarct patients but with a different agent, has drawn attention to a further unexpected benefit, namely improvement of mechanical diastolic function. In the area of hypertension, the emphasis has shifted to the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, now recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, and to diastolic dysfunction. Looking to the future, calcium antagonists may exert protection against end-stage heart failure by limiting left ventricular hypertrophy and by vascular beneficial effects. There is emerging interest that the combination with ACE inhibitors may exert additive effects on control of hypertension and on diabetic hypertensive renal lesions. Reviews of Other Books by the Author Drugs for the Heart--"A gem" (New England Journal of Medicine) The Heart--"The subjects are brilliantly illuminated and made exciting by excellent line diagrams" (The Lancet) Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Scientific Basis for Clinical Use--"A milestone" (British Medical Journal)
An essential resource for graduate students, academic and industrial toxicologists, and environmental health scientists and professionals Over the course of thirty years and three editions, Introduction to Biochemical Toxicology has been an important source for coverage of the ongoing quest to define the biochemical, cellular, and molecular events induced by toxicants at the cellular and organismic levels. Now, as the principles and methods of molecular and cellular biology as well as genomic sciences play an ever increasing role in mechanistic toxicology, significant changes have been made to the book, resulting in this important new edition-now titled Molecular and Biochemical Toxicology, Fourth Edition. Much more than an introductory text, this crucial new edition has been completely revised to provide timely and thorough coverage of the underlying biochemical, molecular, and cellular mechanisms through which toxicants produce their adverse effects. Toxicological issues are covered from the molecule to the cell to the organ level. Complex methods used in toxicology are also described in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style. Additional features of this new edition include: New chapters that explore the interface between toxicology and genomic sciences, including: bioinformatics, proteomics, metabolomics, and toxicogenomics Increased emphasis on structure, mechanism, and regulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, toxicogenetics, and xenobiotic transporters Additional new chapters on: molecular epidemiology and genetic susceptibility, DNA damage and mutagenesis, DNA repair, mechanisms of cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, metals, reproductive toxicology, developmental toxicology, and reactive oxygen/metabolites and toxicity Molecular and Biochemical Toxicology, Fourth Edition guides graduate students, toxicologists, and environmental health professionals through the principles of molecular and biochemical toxicology and the complex mechanisms of toxicity. Whether it's used in the classroom or in industry, research, or academia, this book is essential for anyone interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms through which toxicants produce adverse effects.
Comprehensive Toxicology, Third Edition, Fifteen Volume Set discusses chemical effects on biological systems, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms by which chemicals induce adverse health effects. Organized by organ system, this comprehensive reference work addresses the toxicological effects of chemicals on the immune system, the hematopoietic system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, hepatic toxicology, renal toxicology, gastrointestinal toxicology, reproductive and endocrine toxicology, neuro and behavioral toxicology, developmental toxicology and carcinogenesis, also including critical sections that cover the general principles of toxicology, cellular and molecular toxicology, biotransformation and toxicology testing and evaluation. Each section is examined in state-of-the-art chapters written by domain experts, providing key information to support the investigations of researchers across the medical, veterinary, food, environment and chemical research industries, and national and international regulatory agencies. Thoroughly revised and expanded to 15 volumes that include the latest advances in research, and uniquely organized by organ system for ease of reference and diagnosis, this new edition is an essential reference for researchers of toxicology. Organized to cover both the fundamental principles of toxicology and unique aspects of major organ systems Thoroughly revised to include the latest advances in the toxicological effects of chemicals on the immune system Features additional coverage throughout and a new volume on toxicology of the hematopoietic system Presents in-depth, comprehensive coverage from an international author base of domain experts