Heme oxygenase is an enzyme which breaks down heme, the iron-containing oxygen-carrying constituent of the red blood cells. Heme must be synthesised and degraded within an individual nucleated cell, as heme is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis by sensing or using oxygen. Physiological heme degradation is catalysed by the two functional isozymes of heme oxygenase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and HO-2, yielding CO, iron, and biliverdin IX N. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative effects, is up-regulated by multiple stimuli and provides protection against oxidative stress. HO-1 also plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function and is involved in many other diseases such as sickle cell disease. This new book brings together leading research from around the world in this field.

The endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells, constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system, and therefore is in direct contact with the blood/lymph and the circulating cells. The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone, a major actor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and an endocrine organ. Endothelial cells controls vascular tone, and thereby blood flow, by synthesizing and releasing relaxing and contracting factors such as nitric oxide, metabolites of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 pathways, various peptides (endothelin, urotensin, CNP, adrenomedullin, etc.), adenosine, purines, reactive oxygen species and so on. Additionally, endothelial ectoenzymes are required steps in the generation of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II. An endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or the release of these various endothelial factors may explain the initiation of cardiovascular pathologies (from hypertension to atherosclerosis) or their development and perpetuation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells / Calcium Signaling in Vascular Cells and Cell-to-Cell Communications / Endothelium-Dependent Regulation of Vascular Tone / Conclusion / References

Metallosurfactants Provides up-to-date coverage of the synthesis, properties, and applications of metallosurfactants Metallosurfactants: From Fundamentals to Catalytic and Biomedical Applications is a thorough introduction to amphiphilic compounds that allow to incorporate metal ions in the surfactant system. This comprehensive reference and guide describes the fundamentals of metal surfactant complexes, highlights recent advances in the field, and explores current and future applications and research areas. Gradually progressing from basic to advanced topics, the authors first explain the classification and characterization of metallosurfactants before delving into more complex concepts and various catalytic, sensing, and biomedical applications. The book begins with coverage of the synthesis of metallosurfactants and their surface, interfacial, and aggregation behavior. Subsequent chapters discuss applications of metallosurfactants in areas such as drug delivery, molecular machines, transfection, nanoparticle synthesis, and carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs). Other topics include the use of metallosurfactants as catalysts in organic reactions, and as anticancer and antimicrobial agents in drug delivery and formulation. This unique reference Provides an overview of the structure-function relationship, synthesis methods, and characterization of metallosurfactants Reviews current trends in metallosurfactant development and research Examines the use of metallosurfactants in a wide range of reactions, including esterolytic reactions and hydrogen generation Discusses advanced applications of metallosurfactants, e.g. as nanoreactors for nanoparticle synthesis, non-viral transfection vectors, and sensors Metallosurfactants: From Fundamentals to Catalytic and Biomedical Applications is an excellent introduction to the growing field of metallosurfactant chemistry as well as a concise, highly useful reference for researchers and scientists in both academia and industry.

This volume presents a collection of reviews derived from work presented at the Aegean Conference: “3rd Crossroads between innate and adaptive immunity” which occurred during September 27 - October 2, 2009 at the Minoa Palace Conference Center in Chania, Crete, Greece. This meeting was the third in a series, and assembled a team of scientists working on mechanisms by which the innate immune system of the host senses pathogens, the cellular and signaling networks that orchestrate the innate response and antigen presentation and adaptive immunity. The various facets of the innate response, including dendritic cells, T cells, B cells, NK cells, NK-T cells and the complement cascade during the host response to pathogens and tumors is only now starting to be elucidated. The respective fields that focus on these immune cells and molecules have tended to be relatively compartmentalized, and yet emerging evidence points to the interconnectedness of these facets in coordinating the innate response, and its subsequent impact on the adaptive response. The goal of this conference was to initiate cross-talk between these diverse immunological fields, and promote and facilitate discussion on the interactions between the innate immune response and the adaptive immune response and ultimately facilitate collaboration between these areas of study. Following on the footsteps of the outstanding success of its precursors, the “3rd Crossroads between Innate and Adaptive Immunity” Aegean Conference was highly successful in bringing together and connecting scientists and experts from around the world to address critical areas of Innate and Adaptive immunity.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.