Extracellular Matrix of the Liver addresses the basic science of the extracellular matrix and discussesnew strategies for the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver, with a primary focus on possible gene therapyapproaches. The chapters are divided into six sections as follows: Basic Science of Extracellular Matrix Cells Responsible for Extracellular Matrix Production Activation Mechanism of Hepatic Cells and Signal Transduction Basic Science for Extracellular Matrix Metabolism including Enzymes and their Inhibitors Matrix Mettaloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors for Matrix Mettaloproteinases New Strategies for the treatment of Liver Cirrhosis Discusses the possibility of gene therapy for liver cirrhosis Includes information on new aspects of hepatic stellate cells Written by top experts in basic science and clinical hepatology

Describing state-of-the-art research techniques for clinicians and introducing important clinical perspectives for basic scientists, this reference examines some significant areas of investigation into the biology of the extracellular matrix and its implications in human pathophysiology.;Focusing on the liver and providing a broad survey of the latest information available, Extracellular Matrix: discusses a wide range of models and organ systems; presents pathophysiological studies emphasizing hepatic disease, particularly the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis; furnishes structure and function analyses of the major extracellular matric components, including collagens, laminin, fibronectin, and proteoglycans; delineates the mechanisms leading to increased depositions of the matrix proteins during hepatic fibrogenesis; details new therapeutic approaches to liver disease; and more.;With authoritative contributions from more than 40 leading international experts representing five countries, Extracellular Matrix should be a useful reference for all scientists interested in matrix biology, chemistry, or pathobiology, especially gastroenterologists, hepatologists, pathologists, and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.

In the past decade there has been a major sea change in the way disease is diagnosed and investigated due to the advent of high throughput technologies, such as microarrays, lab on a chip, proteomics, genomics, lipomics, metabolomics etc. These advances have enabled the discovery of new and novel markers of disease relating to autoimmune disorders, cancers, endocrine diseases, genetic disorders, sensory damage, intestinal diseases etc. In many instances these developments have gone hand in hand with the discovery of biomarkers elucidated via traditional or conventional methods, such as histopathology or clinical biochemistry. Together with microprocessor-based data analysis, advanced statistics and bioinformatics these markers have been used to identify individuals with active disease or pathology as well as those who are refractory or have distinguishing pathologies. New analytical methods that have been used to identify markers of disease and is suggested that there may be as many as 40 different platforms. Unfortunately techniques and methods have not been readily transferable to other disease states and sometimes diagnosis still relies on single analytes rather than a cohort of markers. There is thus a demand for a comprehensive and focused evidenced-based text and scientific literature that addresses these issues. Hence the formulation of Biomarkers in Disease The series covers a wide number of areas including for example, nutrition, cancer, endocrinology, cardiology, addictions, immunology, birth defects, genetics, and so on. The chapters are written by national or international experts and specialists.

The book brings together the current knowledge and future perspectives of the complex physiology and pathophysiology of gut-liver interactions in health and disease. It provides readers with a unique overview and access to knowledge that cannot be obtained elsewhere. The structure is logical and covers all aspect including the normal physiology, changes in various liver diseases, technology, sample collection and various interventions. Thus suitable for general reading, lookup for specific questions or as a reference book within the area. The book allows the reader to access all the knowledge that has been generated within the last 10 years in this field.

Stellate Cells in Health and Disease is a comprehensive reference providing the most up-to-date knowledge and perspectives on the function of stellate cells affecting the liver and other organs. The text presents comprehensive coverage of their already established role in hepatic fibrosis along with the newer emerging evidence for stellate cell participation in the liver cell (hepatocyte) survival and regeneration, hepatic immunobiology, transplant tolerance, and liver cancer. Chapters describe both animal and human research and the relevance of findings from animal research to human pathophysiology, and also contain sections on future directions which will be of special interest to basic and clinical researchers working on liver fibrosis, hepatic biology, and pathobiology. Presents coverage of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis with stellate cells as a target for therapy. Shows stellate cells as a major participant in hepatic immunobiology, including transplantation immunology. Key illustrations show the phenotypical changes in stellate cells in situ and tissue culture, their interactions with other cell types, signaling pathways and demonstrate the functions and roles of stellate cell in pathological processes.

Hepatic Fibrosis: Mechanisms and Targets is a complete volume of liver extracellular matrix biology, including molecular signaling pathways, cells and factors that modulate fibrogenesis and fibrosis. The book uses an integrated approach toward the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the synthesis and degradation of hepatic fibrotic tissue, emphasizing the possible molecular targets to fight fibrosis. This important reference describes, in detail and didactically, the cellular and molecular events that are conducive to fibrosis that leads to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. The provided information allows readers to understand the molecular mechanisms of hepatic fibrogenesis to accelerate the development of new therapies. Presents progression from inflammation to fibrosis, with a special focus on the molecular mechanisms involved Didactically explains the participation of cells, cytokines and factors in profibrogenic pathways Illuminates the causative participation of free radicals in liver fibrogenesis Explains the role of gut dysbiosis in chronic liver diseases leading to fibrosis Provides experimental models to study liver fibrosis and describes available, noninvasive monitoring methods

Signaling Pathways in Liver Diseases, Third Edition again provides hepatologists and hepatology researchers with an expert overview of the complex and novel cellular/extracellular signaling pathways in the liver, and their role in liver diseases. The last few years have seen a great number of developments in this field, which in turn have led to new opportunities for innovative treatments; however, the intricacy of these pathways and their interactions continue to provide a real challenge for clinicians. This outstanding book compiles the emerging knowledge into a single expert resource, cataloguing and organizing it into an accessible and understandable format. With increased focus on the comprehension of cellular mechanisms involved in steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver tumors, which has led to changes in the management of these diseases, this new edition also sees the introduction of exciting new chapters on key emerging areas such as: Autophagy Notch Pathway P13K/PTEN Signaling in Liver Diseases Sirtuins Hepcidin and Iron Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Liver Fibrosis Oxidative Stress and Signaling in the Liver. Professors Dufour and Clavien have assembled an all-star cast of chapter authors, each of whom has provided clear and appropriate illustrations to reinforce the text, with a key points box offering a concise and handy summary. Self-assessment questions and answers allow the reader to test their own knowledge. Signaling Pathways in Liver Disease, Third Edition is the perfect educational and reference tool to bridge the information exchange between the laboratory, the clinical ward, and the operating room, and an essential tool for the modern-day hepatologist.