Arachidonic acid (AA) is an -6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in the phospholipids of the membranes of the human bodys cells, and is abundant in the brain, muscles, and liver. This fatty acid is particularly obtained from meat products including chicken, beef, pork, and fishes. An interesting source of AA is through its accumulation in a green microalga, Myrmecia incisa, enhanced by nitrogen starvation. The general functions of AA and its metabolites including its association with coronary heart disease, oxidative stress and cancer, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and its endocrine response to stress are also discussed.

This book is about the arachidonic acid cascade, its biochemistry, its pharmacology, and its roles in signal transduction. Arachidonic acid may serve as an intracellular second messenger in many cell types, as well as precursor for biologically active molecules such as the eicosanoids (a family of oxygenated metabolites that may act as second messengers or as local mediators), and anandamide (an endogenous cannabinoid substance). Dysfunctions in the arachidonic acid cascade underlie a number of serious pathological conditions, making these biochemical pathways the target for drugs of clinical value.

The purpose of this book is to provide comprehensive coverage and an update of the major roles of eicosanoids in reproduction. It presents considerable evidence of the importance of lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid metabolism in reproductive processes. This interesting volume embraces a multidisciplinary approach to research in reproduction (biochemistry, endocrinology, physiology, pharmacology, etc.) at all levels, from whole animal studies through organ, cellular, and molecular approaches. This one-of-a-kind work provides several clinically relevant chapters and places emphasis on the relevance to human reproduction, when applicable. This text is an excellent update for researchers and clinicians on the current state of knowledge of the role of eicosanoids in mechanisms critical for successful reproductive function. This informative, easy-to-read resource is also useful to all those with a more specific interest in obstetrics, gynecology, clinical endocrinology, and the study of fertility.

The present volume contains all the contributions and general discussion presented at the International Satellite Meeting on Func tion and Metabolism of Phospholipids in Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems held at Cortona, Tuscany, Italy in August 1975. The Satellite Meeting was organized on the frame of the 5th Inter national Congress of the International Society for Neurochemistry (Barcelona, 2-7 september 1975) and was just run before it. The publication of the scientific content of this volume has been made possible by the collaboration of the speakers, the discussants, the Meeting Chairman, the section chairmen and of all the scientists who have taken part at the Symposium and who deeply and actively discussed the lectures and the contributions to the General Discus sion which were delivered. In order to obtain rapid publication of the volume, however, the single discussions for each delivered contribution will not be reported here. The general subject of membrane structure, of the turnover of its lipid components in CNS and PNS, their functional implica tions and pharmacological actions, was explored in details from the stand-points of the various contributors in biophysics, biochem istry, physiology, cytology, pharmacology and pathology. The whole Symposium was effiCiently introduced and closed by Dr. W. Stoffel. The meeting has been thought to have been very successful.

This comprehensive encyclopedic reference provides rapid access to focused information on topics of cancer research for clinicians, research scientists and advanced students. Given the overwhelming success of the first edition, which appeared in 2001, and fast development in the different fields of cancer research, it has been decided to publish a second fully revised and expanded edition. With an A-Z format of over 7,000 entries, more than 1,000 contributing authors provide a complete reference to cancer. The merging of different basic and clinical scientific disciplines towards the common goal of fighting cancer makes such a comprehensive reference source all the more timely.

Omega-3 fatty acids provide many health benefits, from reducing cardiovascular disease to improving mental health, and consumer interest in foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids is increasing. Formulating a product enriched with these fatty acids that is stable and has an acceptable flavour is challenging. Food enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids provides an overview of key topics in this area.Part one, an introductory section, reviews sources of omega-3 fatty acids and their health benefits. Chapters in part two explore the stabilisation of both fish oil itself and foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. Part three focuses on the fortification of different types of foods and beverages with omega-3 fatty acids, including meat products, by the modification of animal diets and other methods, infant formula and baked goods. Finally, part four highlights new directions in the field and discusses algal oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids and labelling and claims in foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.Food enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids is a standard reference for professionals in the functional foods industry involved with research, development and quality assessment and for researchers in academia interested in food lipids, oxidation and functional foods. - Provides a comprehensive overview of formulating a product enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that is stable, provides many health benefits and has an acceptable flavour - Reviews sources of omega-3 fatty acids and their health benefits and explores the stabilisation of fish oil and foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids - Focuses on the fortification of different types of foods and beverages with omega-3 fatty acids and highlights new directions in the field