The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has long been seen as a systemic endocrine system in which angiotensin II (ANG II) is solely involved in blood pressure regulation and the mediation of aldosterone release. However, it is now known that specific organ systems exhibit their own local RAS, functioning for the most part independently from their systemic counterpart. A deluge of data from the last decade has shown that ANG II displays many more functions than just regulating blood pressure: ANG II is a growth factor, exhibits profibrogenic actions, and even serves as a proinflammatory cytokine. It is now clear that this peptide plays a pivotal role in the progression of chronic kidney disease towards endstage renal failure. Clinical studies have provided compelling evidence that interference with ANG II slows this deterioration of renal function.This publication presents the first comprehensive summary of this important topic: Basic concepts as well as clinical aspects of the RAS are reviewed by international experts who made many of the key discoveries that constitute our contemporary understanding of ANG II as a central factor in the progression of renal disease. This publication should be read by physicians treating patients with chronic renal diseases (internists, nephrologists and urologists). Moreover, basic scientists such as renal physiologists, renal pathologists and biochemists who want a comprehensive overview of the subject will profit from reading this book.

The Textbook of Nephro-Endocrinology is the definitive translational reference in the field of nephro-endocrinology, investigating both the endocrine functions of the kidneys and how the kidney acts as a target for hormones from other organ systems. It offers researchers and clinicians expert, gold-standard analyses of nephro-endocrine research and translation into the treatment of diseases such as anemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), rickets, osteoporosis, and, hypoparathyroidism. - Investigates both the endocrine functions of the kidneys and how the kidney acts as a target for hormones from other organ systems - Presents a uniquely comprehensive and cross-disciplinary look at all aspects of nephro-endocrine disorders in one reference work - Clear translational presentations by the top endocrinologists and nephrologists in each specific hormone or functional/systems field

The Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) plays an important role not only in salt and water homeostasis but also in the cardiovascular system, the kidney, and the brain. While several volumes address different aspects of the RAAS function, this book provides cutting-edge information on the pathogenesis of various disorders related to RAAS overactivation. It also presents unique aspects of RAAS functioning that have not been sufficiently described in the literature. Topics covered include assessment of hypoaldosteronism in infancy, RASS and cognitive decline, and the role of RAAS in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Written by experts in the field in an easy-to-follow and illustrated format, this volume will benefit students and practitioners, as well as clinical and basic science investigators alike.

This volume discusses protocols that aid in measuring different components in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The book also looks at the methods used to assess angiotensin peptides and discerning the influence of RAAS components on different mammalian diseases. The chapters cover topics such as the use of fluorescent substrate to measure ACE2 activity in the mouse abdominal aorta, blood pressure monitoring using the radio telemetry method, and the analysis of angiotensin metabolism in the kidney using mass spectrometry. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting edge and comprehensive, The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Systems: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that provides scientists and researchers with the best approaches to examine RAAS.

An algorithmic approach to interpreting renal pathology, updated in light of recent advances in understanding and new classification schemes.

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. ​This handbook synthesizes and analyzes the growing knowledge base on life course health development (LCHD) from the prenatal period through emerging adulthood, with implications for clinical practice and public health. It presents LCHD as an innovative field with a sound theoretical framework for understanding wellness and disease from a lifespan perspective, replacing previous medical, biopsychosocial, and early genomic models of health. Interdisciplinary chapters discuss major health concerns (diabetes, obesity), important less-studied conditions (hearing, kidney health), and large-scale issues (nutrition, adversity) from a lifespan viewpoint. In addition, chapters address methodological approaches and challenges by analyzing existing measures, studies, and surveys. The book concludes with the editors’ research agenda that proposes priorities for future LCHD research and its application to health care practice and health policy. Topics featured in the Handbook include: The prenatal period and its effect on child obesity and metabolic outcomes. Pregnancy complications and their effect on women’s cardiovascular health. A multi-level approach for obesity prevention in children. Application of the LCHD framework to autism spectrum disorder. Socioeconomic disadvantage and its influence on health development across the lifespan. The importance of nutrition to optimal health development across the lifespan. The Handbook of Life Course Health Development is a must-have resource for researchers, clinicians/professionals, and graduate students in developmental psychology/science; maternal and child health; social work; health economics; educational policy and politics; and medical law as well as many interrelated subdisciplines in psychology, medicine, public health, mental health, education, social welfare, economics, sociology, and law.

Recent studies have shown that the heart possesses an intrinsic renin angiotensin system that is controlled by tissue-specific parameters that are activated by biomechanical stress. This book reviews the latest information on the way in which both the plasma and cardiac renin angiotensin systems affect heart function. It covers the cell and molecular biology of these systems, with contributions on renin synthesis, uptake and the intracellular signalling pathways. Particular insight comes from transgenic mouse models in which either mouse or human genes for various components of the renin angiotensin system are expressed. Other topics covered include wound healing as well as the trophic effects of aldosterone. Contains the most recent findings on the renin angiotensin system and the heart Written by an international team of distinguished scientists Covers both the cellular and molecular basis of the renin angiotensin system and the clinical relevance of this research