This book includes a series of reviews on general aspects of biomarker use in the study of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases and the development of medications involved in their treatment. It describes the pros and cons of the various approaches and covers the successes and failures in this research field. It is only by a thorough understanding of the shortcomings that progress can be made. The overall goal is to facilitate the understanding and treatment of these disorders, by providing a viable mechanism of catching up with other areas of modern medicine, such as diabetes and heart disease. Finally, it is anticipated that the development and application of valid biomarker tests and the leveraging of novel drug targets will help the fields of psychiatry on neurodegenerative disorders move into the area of personalized medicine where the right patients can receive the right medication at the right time for the best possible outcome.

This volume addresses one of the Holy Grails in Psychiatry, namely the evidence for and potential to adopt ‘Biomarkers’ for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment responses in mental health conditions. It meshes together state of the art research from international renowned pre-clinical and clinical scientists to illustrate how the fields of anxiety disorders, depression, psychotic disorders, and autism spectrum disorder have advanced in recent years.

Schizophrenia, which starts in middle age or late life, has been described as 'the darkest area of psychiatry.' It is certainly controversial, with much disagreement about cut-off ages, diagnostic criteria and nomenclature. The contributors to this unique and very important book represent views from Europe and North America as well as Australia, Japan, and Nepal; they come from backgrounds of clinical practice and research. The contributors and editors were motivated by common aims: to review current international knowledge about late onset schizophrenia, to debate issues of heterogenity, gender, brain maturation and aging, putative structural and functional cerebral substrates for psychosis, to reach consensus on diagnosis and terminology, and to future research directions. The resulting book is an unqualified success which as well as being invaluable in old age psychiatry, sheds light on all aspects of schizophrenia treatment and research.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Epigenetics, Second Edition is a comprehensive reference on the epigenetic basis of common neuropsychiatric disorders. The volume is organized into chapters covering individual neuropsychiatric disorders, from addiction to anxiety and autism spectrum disorders, and is contributed by leading experts in their respective fields. The epigenetic aspects of each disorder are discussed, in the context of the full range of associated epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA modification, histone post-translational modification, chromatin organization, and non-coding RNA. A particular emphasis is placed on potential epigenetic interventions, when the effects of environmental stimuli on epigenetic states is particularly relevant to disease.This new edition has been fully updated to reflect recent research advances enabled by genomic technologies, as well as therapeutic interventions for previously unmanageable disorders. Several new chapters have been added on disorders or approaches not considered in the earlier edition, including epigenetics and anxiety disorders, epigenetics and neuroimaging in neuropsychiatric disorders, genome-wide approaches to epigenetic research, and the epigenetics of spinal muscular atrophy. By helping to define epigenetics as a key player in neuropsychiatric disorders, this volume empowers new research, clinical translation, and pharmacological advances, and highlights promising directions for ongoing investigation. - Analyzes the effects of environmental stimuli on epigenetic states that correlate with neuropsychiatric disease induction - Reviews the epigenetic basis for common neuropsychiatric disorders, thereby guiding translational therapies for clinicians and mechanistic studies for scientists - Features extensive use of diagrams, illustrations, tables, and graphical abstracts for each section to reinforce understanding - - Includes chapter contributions from leading global experts

Human-Gut Microbiome: Establishment and Interactions gives an overview of microbiome establishments in humans and basic technologies used to decipher the structure and function of gut microbiome. Other sections focus on the application of microbiomics in different disease manifestations, such as obesity, diabetes, and more. The book provides the basics, as well as mechanistic knowledge underpinning the structural and functional understanding of the microbiome. With the advancement in omics technologies, as well as the development of bioinformatic tools, much research has been undertaken to decipher the microbiomes of different hosts. This research is generating valuable insights into micro-ecological niches and their impact on humans, hence this new release covers these new insights. The book will be a valuable resource for scientists, researchers, postgraduate and graduate students who are interested in understanding the impact and importance of the omics approach to humans and their microbiomes. - Provides an overview of the recent developments in meta-omics technologies - Serves as a unique reference for healthcare professionals, pursuing research on gut homeostasis, and functional foods, as well as nutritional dietary management - Focuses on the application of microbiomics in different disease manifestations, such as obesity, diabetes, and more

The book summarizes the role of multiple enzyme targets and strategies to design and develop novel drug candidates for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It brings together researchers across the globe having varied scientific backgrounds and expertise in a single volume. The chapters highlight current information scientists have unraveled about the origin, pathogenesis and prevention of AD. The contributions consider both established and emerging drug targets viz. Tau proteins, TREM, and microglia. Topics covered in the book include multi-target anti-Alzheimer's agents, epigenetic modifications, and the role of specific proteins like TMP21 and Tau in AD. A section dedicated to pharmacological treatments discusses the significance of tubulin-modifying enzymes, memantine, and glutamate antagonists. Enzymatic targets for drug discovery are thoroughly examined, focusing on cholinesterase, secretases, and other enzymes. Additionally, the book explores innovative nano-carrier-based drug delivery methods, emphasizing the crucial role of nanotechnology in effective Alzheimer's treatment. The book aims to inform students and researchers in the field of neuroscience, medicine and pharmacology about current research and biochemical nuances of AD pathogenesis and enzymatic drug targeting strategies. Readership Students and researchers in the field of neuroscience, medicine and pharmacology.