Methylxanthines And Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors In The Treatment Of Airways Disease

This is a technically detailed state-of-the-art text on phosphodiesterase inhibition and the practical applications of theophylline and other phosphodiesterase inhibitors in asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease. It contains important new information on the mechanisms of drug action and on the inhibition of individual isoenzymes of the phosphodiesterase enzyme family as a potentially useful, safe, and non-toxic approach to asthma therapy.

This report from the Committee on Military Nutrition Research reviews the history of caffeine usage, the metabolism of caffeine, and its physiological effects. The effects of caffeine on physical performance, cognitive function and alertness, and alleviation of sleep deprivation impairments are discussed in light of recent scientific literature. The impact of caffeine consumption on various aspects of health, including cardiovascular disease, reproduction, bone mineral density, and fluid homeostasis are reviewed. The behavioral effects of caffeine are also discussed, including the effect of caffeine on reaction to stress, withdrawal effects, and detrimental effects of high intakes. The amounts of caffeine found to enhance vigilance and reaction time consistently are reviewed and recommendations are made with respect to amounts of caffeine appropriate for maintaining alertness of military personnel during field operations. Recommendations are also provided on the need for appropriate labeling of caffeine-containing supplements, and education of military personnel on the use of these supplements. A brief review of some alternatives to caffeine is also provided.

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. * Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison – not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management * Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD * Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. * Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations

In the present volume of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology well known experts describe the actions of different xanthines with a focus on caffeine and theophylline. A special chapter is devoted to theobromine, an active component of chocolate, the actions of which are less well characterized. This book also presents the pharmacology of one xanthine derivative, propentofylline, as an example of a xanthine that has gone through extensive development for a novel therapeutic area.

Since the last major compendium dedicated to cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) was published over 15 years ago, an enormous amount of progress has occurred in the field. There is great need for a centralized source for key information in this burgeoning and therapeutically important area of medical research. Cyclic Nucleotide Phosph

In recent years our understanding of molecular mechanisms of drug action and interindividual variability in drug response has grown enormously. Meanwhile, the practice of anesthesiology has expanded to the preoperative environment and numerous locations outside the OR. Anesthetic Pharmacology: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice, 2nd edition, is an outstanding therapeutic resource in anesthesia and critical care: Section 1 introduces the principles of drug action, Section 2 presents the molecular, cellular and integrated physiology of the target organ/functional system and Section 3 reviews the pharmacology and toxicology of anesthetic drugs. The new Section 4, Therapeutics of Clinical Practice, provides integrated and comparative pharmacology and the practical application of drugs in daily clinical practice. Edited by three highly acclaimed academic anesthetic pharmacologists, with contributions from an international team of experts, and illustrated in full colour, this is a sophisticated, user-friendly resource for all practitioners providing care in the perioperative period.

Asthma is a chronic airway disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide with an expected increase of an additional 100 million by 2025. Past decade has observed a notable increase in asthma prevalence on both national and global levels with highest rates observed in western countries (about 30%). Over the past 40 years, a drastic increase in global prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and economic burden have been observed due to asthma especially in children. The rising numbers of hospital admissions for asthma, especially young children, reflect an increase in severe asthma, poverty and lack of proper disease management. Worldwide, approximately 180,000 deaths annually are caused due to this condition. The financial burden on a single asthma patient per year in different western countries ranges from US$300–1,300. Asthma is an intricate respiratory disorder with differences in its severity, natural history and hence treatment response. These differences in intensities of various presentations such as bronchial hyper-responsiveness, airway inflammation, mucus production, airflow obstruction make asthma a heterogeneous disease. The mainstay of current therapies for asthma includes inhaled corticosteroids, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, leukotriene modifiers and β2-adrenoceptor agonists. Some of the currently available drugs are efficient in one or more aspects. However the associated side effects or heterogeneity of the disease limit their usefulness and efficacy, thereby putting a demand on development of new drugs and therapies. On the other hand, asthma has also been treated/managed via herbal medications. These approaches have been described in Unani, Ayurvedic or Chinese system of medicine since antiquity. In fact, several anti-asthmatic drugs were developed from herbs commonly utilized in the non-Western system of medicine. This book focuses on the pathophysiology of asthma, its medication (both herbal and modern), limitations and their future prospects.

Nutrition and Functional Foods for Healthy Aging aims to equip anyone studying geriatric nutrition or working with aging adults with the latest scientific reviews of critical topics. The major objective of this book is to review, in detail, the health problems of the aged and how normal food, lifestyle, or nutritional and dietary supplements can help treat them. Nutrient requirements for optimum health and function of aging physiological systems are often quite distinct from those required for young people. The special nutrition problems of the aged are intensively researched and tested, especially as the elderly become a larger percentage of the population. Many chronic diseases and cancers are found with higher frequency in the aged, and it is also widely known that many elderly people use foods and nutrients well above the recommended daily allowance, which can be detrimental to optimal health. Explains the evidence supporting nutritional interventions relevant to age-related diseases Reviews the macro- and micro-nutrient requirements of aging adults and their variables Describes how alcohol, drugs, and caffeine can impact deficiencies, also exploring functional food and dietary supplements that can be used for prevention and treatment