The radical expansion and revision of techniques and experimental approaches employed in the study of adipose tissue are reflected in this revised book. Several updated chapters are combined with many new contributions from internationally recognized experts. Conventional and state-of-the-art methodologies are covered, as well as whole animal, cellular and molecular approaches which have emerged in or been extended to adipose tissue research over the past few years. This revised all-in-one manual is essential reading for newcomers to this burgeoning area as well as a valuable volume for more experienced researchers.

Adipose tissue is recognized to be exquisitely sensitive to hormone action, and is also now recognized as a secretory and endocrine organ required for reproduction and good health. Adipocytes are “smart” cells able within the tissue to communicate with surrounding cells, but also with various organs, particularly via leptin acting on the central nervous system. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) are known to be distinct tissues, whereas the heterogeneity of WAT depots is well est- lished. Unfortunately, excess WAT leads to obesity, which is the most common health problem in industrialized countries. Therefore, from both a scientific and a technical point of view, the time has come to create a survey of adipose tissues and their neglected adipocytes. In Adipose Tissue Protocols, I have attempted to gather together chapters from all areas of adipose tissue research—from in vivo to in vitro studies—and to provide methods covering a wide variety of techniques, including the choice of adipose tissue depot and of morphological techniques for the study of BAT and WAT; the isolation, subcellular fractionation, and transfection of adipocytes where the low density of these cells must be taken into account; assays of nutrient and ion fluxes and the metabolic aspects of nutrient uptake; assays of lipid-related enzymes; biopsies and quantification of lipid-related mRNAs; cultures of adipose precursor cells from WAT and BAT of various species, including human tissue; measurements of adipose secretory products; and assessment of WAT metabolism in vivo.

During the past decade, a wide range of scientific disciplines have adopted the use of adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) as an important tool for research and discovery. In Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols, experts from the field, including members of the esteemed International Federation of Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS), provide defined and established protocols in order to further codify the utilization of these powerful and accessible cells. With chapters organized around approaches spanning the discovery, pre-clinical, and clinical processes, much of the emphasis is placed on human ASC, while additional techniques involving small and large animal species are included. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series, the detailed contributions include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital reference text for experienced researchers as well as new students on the path to further exploring the incredible potential of ASCs.

The world is faced with an epidemic of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This is due to changes in dietary habits and the decrease in physical activity. Exercise is usually part of the prescription, the first line of defense, to prevent or treat metabolic disorders. However, we are still learning how and why exercise provides metabolic benefits in human health. This open access volume focuses on the cellular and molecular pathways that link exercise, muscle biology, hormones and metabolism. This will include novel “myokines” that might act as new therapeutic agents in the future.

Stem cell biology has drawn tremendous interest in recent years as it promises cures for a variety of incurable diseases. This book deals with the basic and clinical aspects of stem cell research and involves work on the full spectrum of stem cells isolated today. It also covers the conversion of stem cell types into a variety of useful tissues which may be used in the future for transplantation therapy. It is thus aimed at undergraduates, postgraduates, scientists, embryologists, doctors, tissue engineers and anyone who wishes to gain some insight into stem cell biology. This book is important as it is comprehensive and covers all aspects of stem cell biology, from basic research to clinical applications. It will have 33 chapters written by renowned stem cell scientists worldwide. It will be up-to-date and all the chapters include self-explanatory figures, color photographs, graphics and tables. It will be easy to read and give the reader a complete understanding and state of the art of the exciting science and its applications.

The National Human Monitoring Program (NHMP) identifies concentrations of specific chemicals in human tissues, including toxicologic testing and risk assessment determinations. This volume evaluates the current activities of the NHMP; identifies important scientific, technical, and programmatic issues; and makes recommendations regarding the design of the program and use of its products.

Angiogenesis has recently played a critical role in regulation of adipose tissue expansion and regression. Like most other tissues in the body, adipose expansion and regression is accompanied by alteration of blood vessel density and structures. The vascular alteration plays an active role in regulation of adipose tissue size and functions. Targeting blood vessels in the adipose tissue have demonstrated to be a novel approach for possibly treatment of cancer, obesity and other metabolic diseases. This book provides the most updated information on this type research and discusses future opportunities for therapy..