This reference discusses the role of chemokines in mediating leukocyte trafficking, angiogenesis, tumor cell metastasis, host defense, trauma-induced lung injury, and the progression of AIDS in the lung, and studies cytokines as natural agents for modulating diseases that affect the lung.

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.

This volume, new to The Receptors series, focuses on several areas, including the birth, maturation, and structure of Chemokines; Neutrophil, Dendritic, and Lymphocyte trafficking; and Chemokine Receptors in diseases such as AIDs and lung cancer. In particular the book contains cutting-edge information ranging from basic molecular and cellular mechanisms to physiological and pathological roles of chemokines.

Chemokines: Attraction of dendritic cells and role in tumor immunobiology.- Chemokine receptors.- Regulation of gene expression of chemokines and their receptors.- Chemokines and T lymphocytes.- Chemokines and mast cells.- Chemokines and eosinophils.- CXC-chemokines - autocrine growth factors for melanoma and epidermoid carcinoma cells.- Expression of chemokines in dermatoses.

This open access book focuses on the molecular mechanism of congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, offering new insights into the development of pulmonary circulation and the ductus arteriosus. It describes in detail the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and morphogenesis of the heart, lungs and ductus arteriosus, covering a range of topics such as gene functions, growth factors, transcription factors and cellular interactions, as well as stem cell engineering technologies. The book also presents recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of lung development, pulmonary hypertension and molecular regulation of the ductus arteriosus. As such, it is an ideal resource for physicians, scientists and investigators interested in the latest findings on the origins of congenital heart disease and potential future therapies involving pulmonary circulation/hypertension and the ductus arteriosus.

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. * Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison – not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management * Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD * Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. * Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations