Over the last decade, considerable progress has been made in understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in gastrointestinal mucosal injury and repair. These findings provide the basis to identify the etiology and pathogenesis of various gut mucosal injury-related diseases and to develop new therapeutic approaches. The publication at hand is divided into three sections: Epithelial restitution, mucosal repair and ulcer healing, and experimental therapeutics. The first part highlights the early rapid mucosal restitution, focussing on the roles of extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, cytokines, Ca2+ signaling, polyamines, and the protein kinase C/DAG pathways. The next section deals with aspects of chronic mucosal healing, concentrating on the roles of primary response gene expression, angiogenesis and angiogenic growth factors, platelets, and the mechanisms of cell renewal after injury in special circumstances. The last part explores new therapeutic approaches, stressing potential clinical applications of nitric oxide-releasing agents, polysaccharides, nitric oxide synthase modulators, growth factors, prostaglandins, and cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Covering the current state-of-the-art findings relevant to gut mucosal injury and repair as well as providing the underlying conceptual basis and knowledge regarding experimental therapeutics for gastrointestinal mucosal injury-related diseases, this publication will be a timely guide for investigators working in the field.

The concept of microcirculation means not only the assembly of small vessels-those of less than 100 um in diameter, but also its functional circulatory and metabolic units. Its principal function is to permit the transfer of substances between the tissues and the circulation, making it a fundamental factor in disease processes, including the spread of cancer, delayed healing, circulatory shock, and complications of diabetes . Organ Microcirculation: A Gateway to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions covers the latest developments in nano-biotechnology for microvascular interventions, gastroduodenal microcirculation and disease, liver microvascular research, cell adhesion and traffic in micmcirculation, and the sensing and bioregulation of gaseous molecules in microcirculation . It provides invaluable information for those engaged in microvascular research in the fields of pharmacology, physiology, gastroenterology, and bioengineering.

The aim of this book is to present a concise yet instructive overview of the most common interventional and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Although there exists a large amount of literature dealing with therapeutic endoscopy, this publication stands out for several reasons: To begin with, it has been written by a highly selected group of international experts who contribute their own tried and tested tips and tricks. The various techniques are described in a homogeneous fashion, making it easy for the endoscopist to single out the important aspects for his or her own practice. Moreover, the data presented follows evidence-based guidelines, but does not inundate the reader with confusing facts and numbers. Finally, the book is illustrated like an atlas, featuring real-life pictures enhanced by explanatory drawings and algorithms.

Polyamines are organic cations found in all eukaryotic cells and intimately involved in, and required for, distinct biological functions. An increasing body of evidence indicates that the regulation of cellular polyamines is a central convergence point for the multiple signaling pathways driving various cellular functions. Over the last decade, considerable progress has been made in und- standing the molecular functions of cellular polyamines. These significant findings provide a fundamental basis to not only define the exact role of polyamines in physiology, but also to develop new therapeutic approaches for cancers and other diseases. The major objective of this book is to provide a timely and long lasting guide for investigators in the fields of polyamines, physiology, pharmacology, and cancer research. It will provide a foundation based on research and address the potential for subsequent applications in clinical practice. Polyamine Cell Signaling: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Cancer Research is divided into four main parts: Part I: Polyamines in Signal Transduction of Cell Proliferation Part II: Polyamines in Cellular Signaling of Apoptosis, Carcinogenesis, and Cancer Therapy Part III: Polyamines in Cell Motility and Cell–Cell Interactions Part IV: Polyamine Homeostasis and Transport This book not only covers the current state-of-the-art findings relevant to cellular and molecular functions of polyamines, but also provides the underlying conceptual basis and knowledge regarding potential therapeutic targeting of polyamines and polyamine metabolism. These points are addressed by int- nationally recognized experts in their contributions to this book.

Digestive-disease-associated mortality accounts for a major part of all deaths in Western societies and inflammatory diseases such as GI infections, viral hepatitis, GERD or cancers due to chronic inflammation have a tangible economic and social impact. What further aggravates the situation is the fact that complex immunological disorders have surfaced where anti-infective treatments are not effective. Fortunately, due to breakthroughs in basic research that are being successfully translated into clinical practice, new treatment strategies are constantly evolving. In addition to the development of new therapeutic measures, however, it is also mandatory to review and periodically refine established treatment regimens to reflect current knowledge and ensure up-to-date medical care.

The mammalian gastrointestinal mucosa is a rapidly self-renewing tissue in the body, and its homeostasis is preserved through the strict regulation of epithelial cell proliferation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. The control of the growth of gastrointestinal mucosa is unique and, compared with most other tissue in the body, complex. Mucosal growth is regulated by the same hormones that alter metabolism in other tissues, but the gastrointestinal mucosa also responds to host events triggered by the ingestion and presence of food within the digestive tract. These gut hormones and peptides regulate the growth of the exocrine pancreas, gallbladder epithelium, and the mucosa of the oxyntic gland region of the stomach and the small and large intestines. Luminal factors, including nutrients or other dietary factors, secretions, and microbes that occur within the lumen and distribute over a proximal-to-distal gradient, are also crucial for maintenance of normal gut mucosal regeneration and could explain the villous-height-crypt-depth gradient and variety of adaptation, since these factors are diluted, absorbed, and destroyed as they pass down the digestive tract. Recently, intestinal stem cells, cellular polyamines, and noncoding RNAs are shown to play an important role in the regulation of gastrointestinal mucosal growth under physiological and various pathological conditions. In this book, we highlight key issues and factors that control gastrointestinal mucosal growth and homeostasis, with special emphasis on the mechanisms through which epithelial renewal and apoptosis are regulated at the cellular and molecular levels.