The first demonstration of the existence of a vitamin and the full recognition of this fact are often attributed to the work of McCollum, who found that a sub stance in butterfat and cod-liver oil was necessary for growth and health of ani mals fed purified diets. It became obvious that an organic substance present in microconcentrations was vital to growth and reproduction of animals. Following the coining of the word vitamine by Funk, McCollum named this fat-soluble sub stance vitamin A. We can, therefore, state that vitamin A was certainly one of the first known vitamins, yet its function and the function of the other fat-soluble vitamins had remained largely unknown until recent years. However, there has been an explosion of investigation and new information in this field, which had remained quiescent for at least two or three decades. It is now obvious that the fat-soluble vitamins function quite differently from their water-soluble counter parts. We have learned that vitamin D functions by virtue of its being converted in the kidney to a hormone that functions to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism. This new endocrine system is in the process of being elucidated in detail, and in addition, the medical use of these hormonal forms of vitamin D in the treatment of a variety of metabolic bone diseases has excited the medical com munity.

Role of Nutraceuticals in Chemoresistance to Cancer, Volume Two, focuses on nutraceuticals, the compounds derived from natural sources, which are usually multi-targeted as a means to overcome chemoresistance. This book discusses the role of several compounds related to nutraceuticals and chemoresistance, such as curcumin, resveratrol, indole 3-carbinol, tocotrienols, ursolic acid, fisetin, celastrol, gambogic, butein, catechins and silymarin. It is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists and members of several areas of the biomedical field who are interested in understanding how to use nutraceuticals as a sensitizing agent for chemotherapy. - Brings updated information on natural compounds used as specific inhibitors of cell signaling pathways as reviewed by experts in the field - Presents experts analysis and summary of reported and novel findings and potential translational application in cancer patients - Describes molecular mechanisms with new and helpful approaches for the readers to use in their own investigations

This book offers a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the field of breast cancer biology. It is a complete and descriptive reference on motioning pathways and new treatment options for the future transnational scientists and clinicians working on cancer research and treatment. We greatly appreciate the work of all the contributors to this book. They have brought with them tremendous diversity of perspectives and fields, which is truly reflective of the complexity of the topic, and they have come together in this project to serve as the node of multidisciplinary collaboration in this field. Finally, we must acknowledge the thousands of cancer patients who have participated in the studies, and who have inspired us to gather information to significantly progress knowledge in the field in recent years.

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge of the physiology of the endocrine system and hormone synthesis and release, transport, and action at the molecular and cellular levels. It presents essential as well as in-depth information of value to both medical students and specialists in Endocrinology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Although it is well established that the endocrine system regulates essential functions involved in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, it is increasingly being recognized that this complex regulatory system comprises not only hormones secreted by the classic endocrine glands but also hormones and regulatory factors produced by many organs, and involves extensive crosstalk with the neural and immune system. At the same time, our knowledge of the molecular basis of hormone action has greatly improved. Understanding this complexity of endocrine physiology is crucial to prevent endocrine disorders, to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic tools, and to provide the rationale for pharmacological, immunological, or genetic interventions. It is such understanding that this book is designed to foster.

Hormone assays; Hormone receptors; Evaluation of biological effects of hormones; Purification and synthesis of hormones.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta is the first translational reference professionals can turn to for a source of comprehensive information on this disorder. Although several reviews of the field have been published in various journals, there is no other single source for a compendium of current information. Separate chapters discuss each of the several clinical features of OI. Ethical issues related to OI are discussed, as is the importance of nutrition in managing the OI child and the OI adult. The role of physical medicine and rehabilitation for OI patients is also presented, along with the current status of OI medical treatment and the prospects for genetic engineering in the future. The text also provides the orthopedic surgeon with an advanced discussion of surgical techniques applicable to OI. - Incorporates chapters and information on the ethical issues related to osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) as will the importance of nutrition in managing the OI child and the OI adult - Offers new insights into the underlying mechanisms of collagen biochemistry as related to OI as well as a presentation of intracellular collagen processing and the expanded role of protein chaperones in OI - Discusses the role of physical medicine and rehabilitation for OI patients and the current status of OI medical treatment as well as prospects for genetic engineering in the future - Provides a unique overview for the orthopedic surgeon with an advanced discussion of surgical techniques applicable to OI