The two volumes of Acute Phase Proteins book consist of chapters that give a large panel of fundamental and applied knowledge on one of the major elements of the inflammatory process during the acute phase response, i.e., the acute phase proteins expression and functions that regulate homeostasis. We have organized this book in two volumes - the first volume, mainly containing chapters on structure, biology and functions of APP, the second volume discussing different uses of APP as diagnostic tools in human and veterinary medicine.

The magnitude and rapidity of the changes in the concentrations of APPs, together with their short half-life, suggest an important role for these proteins in the establishment of host defense. APPs are regarded as having general functions in trapping of micro-organisms and their products, in activating complement, in binding cellular remnants like nuclear fractions, in neutralizing enzymes, scavenging free radicals, and in modulating the hosts immune response. Despite vast pro- and anti-inflammatory properties ascribed to individual APPs, their function during health and disease remains incompletely defined.

The Use of Acute Phase Proteins as Biomarkers of Diseases in Cattle and Swine.

Acute Phase Proteins as Biomarkers in Animal Health and Welfare.

Acute Phase Proteins covers all major aspects of acute phase proteins (APP) starting with molecular mechanisms regulating their synthesis and ending with their functional significance. The book features 36 chapters addressing such topics as acute phase response and the APP; major APP and their structure and functions; regulation of APP synthesis, the cytokines and hormones implicated in these processes, and molecular mechanisms involved; signal transduction of cytokines in hepatocytes and posttranscriptional processes; and quantitative and qualitative evaluation of APP in clinical practice. The book will be an important reference for immunologists, molecular biologists, cellular biologists, biochemists, and clinical chemists.

This work offers comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of cytokine biology in veterinary and agricultural species, describing the role of cytokines in physiological and pathological processes. It addresses recent advances and new information on the function of cytokines in reproduction, detoxification of xenobiotics, growth modulation and other areas, and discusses the approaches to and pitfalls of studying cytokines in animals.