The Ghrelin System

The ghrelin story started more than 30 years ago with the discovery of synthetic GH secretagogues. Only in 1999 was ghrelin‚ a natural GH-releasing peptide, discovered. Ghrelin, however, is much more than simply a natural GH secretagogue. In fact, this hormone is one of the most important factors known for regulating appetite and energy expenditure. Furthermore, ghrelin is the trigger for other neuroendocrine, metabolic and nonendocrine actions.This book, written by researchers who provided the major contributions to our current knowledge of this complex system, gives a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in ghrelin research. The hormone's influence on the cardiovascular, metabolic and gastroenteropancreatic system, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, prolactin secretion, thyroid axis, gonadal axis as well as on behavior is discussed in detail. Furthermore, the clinical perspectives for ghrelin-derived therapeutic products are presented.Illustrating the tight inter-relationship between endocrinology, metabolism, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, this book is essential reading for all scientists interested in appetite control, body weight and energy expenditure, as well as diabetes mellitus and neuroendocrinology.

Peptides play a crucial role in many physiological processes including actions as neurotransmitters, hormones, and antibiotics. Research has shown their importance in such fields as neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and cell biology. The Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides presents, for the first time, this tremendous body of knowledge in the field of biologically active peptides in one single reference. The section editors and contributors represent some of the most sophisticated and distinguished scientists working in basic sciences and clinical medicine. The Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides is a definitive, all-encompassing reference that will be indispensable for individuals ranging from peptide researchers, to biochemists, cell and molecular biologists, neuroscientists, pharmacologists, and to endocrinologists. Chapters are designed to be a source for workers in the field and will enable researchers working in a specific area to examine other related areas with which they would not ordinarily be familiar. *Chapters are designed to be a source for workers in the field and will enable researchers working in a specific area to examine other related areas that they would not ordinarily be familiar. *Fascinating relationships described in the book include the presence of some peptides originally found in frog skin that persist in the human human and brain where they can affect food intake and obesity.

Simple tips and recipes to help women balance their hormones, boost their energy, and change their lives. What if you could feel happier, more energized, and less stressed, simply by changing the way you eat? In this informative book, vitality expert Marjolein Dubbers offers effective, easy-to-follow advice women can use to take charge of their hormones, improve their mood, and transform their health—one bite at a time. In clear, upbeat language, Hormone Power reveals the ins and outs of the endocrine system, explaining how estrogen, progesterone, insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, leptin, and ghrelin work in the body—and why they so often let women down. Debunking diet myths, Dubbers shares practical tips for how to harness these important hormones and improve everything from unwanted weight gain to low libido, menstrual pain to menopause symptoms. Along the way, she provides innovative ways to incorporate healthy habits into daily life, including delicious recipes for homemade granola, green breakfast smoothies, mouthwatering avocado lemon tarts, and more.

The orexin system, discovered in 1998, has emerged as a crucial player in regulating the sleep and wake balance inside our brain. This discovery has sparked a burst of novel and dynamic research on the physiology and pathology of sleep. The Orexin System: Basic Science and Role in Sleep Pathology honors this research and the authors share their ideas and perspectives on the novel developments within the field. The book examines the intricate role of the orexin system in regulating sleep and wake, and its interaction with other wake-regulating systems. The orexin system is dissected at the cellular and molecular level to explore the diversity of the orexin-producing neurons, their projections, and their signaling pathways. Additionally, the book discusses the diseases which are associated with a dysfunctional orexin system, such as narcolepsy, insomnia, substance abuse, and Alzheimer’s disease, and explores the new potential therapeutic applications derived from the burst of research around this fascinating system. This publication is essential reading for neurobiologists, neurologists, psychopharmacologists, sleep researchers, and other researchers and clinical scientists interested in sleep, sleep research, insomnia, and medicine in general.

Pathophysiology of Bariatric Surgery: Metabolism, Nutrition, Procedures, Outcomes and Adverse Effects uses a metabolic and nutritional theme to explain the complex interrelationships between obesity and metabolic profiles before and after bariatric surgery. The book is sectioned into seven distinct areas, Features of Obesity, Surgical Procedures, Nutritional Aspects, Metabolic Aspects, Diabetes, Insulin Resistance and Glucose Control, Cardiovascular and Physiological Effects, and Psychological and Behavioral Effects. Included is coverage on the various types of bariatric surgery, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion, and jejunoileal bypass, as well as the variations upon these procedures. Provides information on diet, nutrition, surgical procedures, outcomes, and side effects in relation to bariatric surgery in one comprehensive text Contains a Dictionary of Terms, Key Facts, and Summary Points in each chapter Includes access to a companion website with accompanying videos

Handbook of Hormones: Comparative Endocrinology for Basic and Clinical Research collates fundamental information about the structure and function of hormones from basic biology to clinical use. The handbook offers a rapid way to obtain specific facts about the chemical and molecular characteristics of hormones, their receptors and signalling pathways, and the biological activities they regulate. The evolution of hormones and gene families is also covered both in the text and in online ancillaries. Users will find simple and visual ways to learn key molecular information. Chapters and online ancillary resources integrate additional sections, providing a comparative molecular, functional, and evolutionary consideration. Provides the only single resource available with concise, yet informative descriptions of hormones in vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants Presents hormones in groups according to their origin, so that readers can easily understand their inter-relation Includes comparative information on the structures and functions of hormones enabling readers to understand both general and specific actions in and across species Ancillary website hosts additional information, including sequence data, comparative data, figures, and tables

The research and outcomes presented in this book gather evidence concerning both the pathogenesis and treatment of functional dyspepsia. It provides the latest information on this common non-organic disease, indicating its characteristic pathogenesis based on the brain-gut interaction and micro-environment and evidence gleaned from clinical treatment. Since the pathogenesis is associated with psychology, neurology, endocrinology and bacteriology in addition to gastroenterological physiology, it is often intractable and finding a suitable treatment rationale is challenging. Furthermore, the pathogenesis varies around the world and the efficacy of treatment using standard drugs varies among different populations worldwide; accordingly, this book highlights evidence gained in clinical trials in Japan. Functional Dyspepsia is a milestone produced by respected experts. Addressing unique topics and new findings of treatment including challenging and/or future rationales, it offers an invaluable resource for general clinicians, gastroenterologists, and basic researchers alike.