Adrenomedullin

Adrenomedullin is a recently discovered peptide hormone which involved in many physiological and pathological processes. This book reviews all the information available on this intriguing molecule, covering topics as diverse as blood pressure regulation, growth of tumours and normal cells, the central nervous system, and comparative studies from sharks to mammals. An international group of experts has contributed to this volume which will be of interest to professionals, researchers, and those who will benefit from a broad review of the literature and the main trends in adrenomedullin research.

Adrenomedullin was discovered in 1993 in an extract of human pheochromocytoma while monitoring cAMP levels in rat platelets. Adrenomedullin has attracted considerable interest among cardiologists due to its impact on the cardiovascular system which includes a decrease in blood pressure in vivo; an impact on vascular smooth muscle cells; increases cAMP levels; indirectly reduces blood pressure and has a role in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. Adrenomedullin in Cardiovascular Disease is an up-to-date review of the most relevant aspects of adrenomedullin. It encompasses a broad range of fields including biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and clinical applications of adrenomedullin to cardiovascular disease. Toshio Nishikimi, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hypertension and Cardiorenal Medicine, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan.

This book is devoted to innovative medicine, comprising the proceedings of the Uehara Memorial Foundation Symposium 2014. It remains extremely rare for the findings of basic research to be developed into clinical applications, and it takes a long time for the process to be achieved. The task of advancing the development of basic research into clinical reality lies with translational science, yet the field seems to struggle to find a way to move forward. To create innovative medical technology, many steps need to be taken: development and analysis of optimal animal models of human diseases, elucidation of genomic and epidemiological data, and establishment of “proof of concept”. There is also considerable demand for progress in drug research, new surgical procedures, and new clinical devices and equipment. While the original research target may be rare diseases, it is also important to apply those findings more broadly to common diseases. The book covers a wide range of topics and is organized into three complementary parts. The first part is basic research for innovative medicine, the second is translational research for innovative medicine, and the third is new technology for innovative medicine. This book helps to understand innovative medicine and to make progress in its realization.

Neuroendocrinology underpins fundamental physiological, molecular, biological, and genetic principles such as the regulation of gene transcription and translation. This handbook highlights the experimental and technical foundations of each area's major concepts and principles.