Xiaoying Qiao and Raouf A. Khalil
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195326697
- eISBN:
- 9780199864874
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326697.003.0002
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
Intracellular signaling activities in vascular smooth muscles (VSMs) are central in the control of blood vessel diameter and the regulation of peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. ...
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Intracellular signaling activities in vascular smooth muscles (VSMs) are central in the control of blood vessel diameter and the regulation of peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. Several studies have examined the molecular mechanisms underlying VSM contraction under physiological conditions and the pathological alterations that occur in vascular diseases such as hypertension. Vasoconstrictor stimuli activate specific cell surface receptors and cause an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which forms a complex with calmodulin, activates myosin light chain (MLC) kinase, and leads to MLC phosphorylation, actin-myosin interaction, and VSM contraction. In unison, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) increases the myofilament force sensitivity to [Ca2+]i and MLC phosphorylation, and maintains VSM contraction. Identifying the subcellular location of PKC may be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of VSM hyperactivity states associated with hypertension. Targeting of vascular PKC using isoform-specific PKC inhibitors may work in concert with cytokine antagonists, antioxidants, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, and thereby provide new approaches in the treatment of VSM hyperactivity states and certain forms of hypertension that do not respond to Ca2+-channel blockers.Less
Intracellular signaling activities in vascular smooth muscles (VSMs) are central in the control of blood vessel diameter and the regulation of peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. Several studies have examined the molecular mechanisms underlying VSM contraction under physiological conditions and the pathological alterations that occur in vascular diseases such as hypertension. Vasoconstrictor stimuli activate specific cell surface receptors and cause an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which forms a complex with calmodulin, activates myosin light chain (MLC) kinase, and leads to MLC phosphorylation, actin-myosin interaction, and VSM contraction. In unison, activation of protein kinase C (PKC) increases the myofilament force sensitivity to [Ca2+]i and MLC phosphorylation, and maintains VSM contraction. Identifying the subcellular location of PKC may be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of VSM hyperactivity states associated with hypertension. Targeting of vascular PKC using isoform-specific PKC inhibitors may work in concert with cytokine antagonists, antioxidants, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, and thereby provide new approaches in the treatment of VSM hyperactivity states and certain forms of hypertension that do not respond to Ca2+-channel blockers.
William Jagust and Mark D'Esposito (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195328875
- eISBN:
- 9780199864836
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195328875.001.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Techniques, Development
The study of brain aging has been revolutionized through advances in molecular neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and brain imaging. The application of new concepts and techniques has permitted ...
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The study of brain aging has been revolutionized through advances in molecular neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and brain imaging. The application of new concepts and techniques has permitted investigators to explore the changes in structure, function, and biochemistry in living humans in order to unravel mechanisms that underlie both age-related cognitive decline and preservation of cognition into old age. This book reviews both the basic science and clinical applications of brain imaging in the study of brain aging. Topics reviewed include technical issues associated with imaging studies in older brains, pathology of brain aging, structural changes in the aging brain, changes in dopamine function, and mechanisms of brain reserve and plasticity. The use of genetics in combination with brain imaging and the use of animal models are also explored. Clinical applications include the diagnosis and prediction of cognitive decline using a variety of different imaging approaches as well as a detailed description of amyloid imaging using PET scanning. Other topics include functional MRI studies in aging, the use of imaging in therapeutic monitoring and drug development, and the role of large-scale databases. The volume contains information both for those involved in brain imaging research and for those new to the field who are in need of a systematic overview.Less
The study of brain aging has been revolutionized through advances in molecular neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and brain imaging. The application of new concepts and techniques has permitted investigators to explore the changes in structure, function, and biochemistry in living humans in order to unravel mechanisms that underlie both age-related cognitive decline and preservation of cognition into old age. This book reviews both the basic science and clinical applications of brain imaging in the study of brain aging. Topics reviewed include technical issues associated with imaging studies in older brains, pathology of brain aging, structural changes in the aging brain, changes in dopamine function, and mechanisms of brain reserve and plasticity. The use of genetics in combination with brain imaging and the use of animal models are also explored. Clinical applications include the diagnosis and prediction of cognitive decline using a variety of different imaging approaches as well as a detailed description of amyloid imaging using PET scanning. Other topics include functional MRI studies in aging, the use of imaging in therapeutic monitoring and drug development, and the role of large-scale databases. The volume contains information both for those involved in brain imaging research and for those new to the field who are in need of a systematic overview.
Frank Hu (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195312911
- eISBN:
- 9780199865260
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195312911.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
During the past twenty years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. An estimated 30% of adults in the US are obese; in 1980, only 15% were. The issue is gaining greater ...
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During the past twenty years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. An estimated 30% of adults in the US are obese; in 1980, only 15% were. The issue is gaining greater attention with the CDC and with the public health world in general. This book offers practical information about the methodology of epidemiologic studies of obesity. The book is structured in four main sections. The first section considers issues surrounding the definition of obesity, measurement techniques, and the designs of epidemiologic studies. The second section addresses the consequences of obesity, looking at epidemiologic studies that focus on cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The third section looks at determinants obesity, reviewing a wide range of risk factors for obesity including diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviors, sleep disorders, psychosocial factors, physical environment, biochemical and genetic predictors, and intrauterine exposures. The final section addresses the analytical issues and challenges for epidemiologic studies of obesity.Less
During the past twenty years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. An estimated 30% of adults in the US are obese; in 1980, only 15% were. The issue is gaining greater attention with the CDC and with the public health world in general. This book offers practical information about the methodology of epidemiologic studies of obesity. The book is structured in four main sections. The first section considers issues surrounding the definition of obesity, measurement techniques, and the designs of epidemiologic studies. The second section addresses the consequences of obesity, looking at epidemiologic studies that focus on cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The third section looks at determinants obesity, reviewing a wide range of risk factors for obesity including diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviors, sleep disorders, psychosocial factors, physical environment, biochemical and genetic predictors, and intrauterine exposures. The final section addresses the analytical issues and challenges for epidemiologic studies of obesity.
Richard C. Becker and Frederick A. Spencer
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780195155648
- eISBN:
- 9780197561959
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780195155648.003.0026
- Subject:
- Clinical Medicine and Allied Health, Cardiovascular Medicine
More than 25 million persons in the United States have at least one manifestation of atherosclerosis. Throughout the last 50 years, coronary arterial ...
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More than 25 million persons in the United States have at least one manifestation of atherosclerosis. Throughout the last 50 years, coronary arterial atherosclerosis has been the focus of basic and clinical investigation; however, the systemic nature of atherosclerosis must be acknowledged (Faxon et al., 2004). Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the principal cause of long-term disability in the United States. There are upward of 600,000 new or recurrent strokes annually. Black populations have a 40% higher stroke rate than white populations and experience a higher mortality. The clinical manifestations of aortic atherosclerosis include abdominal aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer, intramural hematoma, and peripheral atheroembolization. Thoracic aortic aneurysms also occur in patients with atherosclerotic risk factors, but are less common. The age-adjusted prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is approximately 12% and may exceed 20% in persons greater than 70 years of age. An ankle–brachial index of less than or equal to 0.90 is 90% sensitive and 95% specific for PAD, identifying a patient population at risk for claudication, rest pain, skin ulceration, and critical leg ischemia, prompting amputation. A majority of patients with PAD have concomitant coronary artery disease (85%) and many have carotid artery disease (60%). Although the true prevalence of renal artery disease proceeding to clinical manifestations such as hypertension or renal insufficiency is unknown, autopsy series of patients with cerebrovascular disease and stroke have identified a high incidence of concomitant disease involving at least one renal artery. Vascular disease of the peripheral arterial circulation, most often caused by atherosclerosis and less commonly by vasculitis (or other nonatherosclerotic arteriopathies), is a chronic process that is responsible for progressive and, at times, incapacitating symptoms, disability, and limb loss. The arterial beds most frequently involved, in order of occurrence, are: . . . . • Femoropopliteal-tibial . . . . . . • Aortoiliac . . . . . . • Carotid and vertebral . . . . . . • Splanchnic and renal . . . . . . • Brachiocephalic . . .
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More than 25 million persons in the United States have at least one manifestation of atherosclerosis. Throughout the last 50 years, coronary arterial atherosclerosis has been the focus of basic and clinical investigation; however, the systemic nature of atherosclerosis must be acknowledged (Faxon et al., 2004). Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the principal cause of long-term disability in the United States. There are upward of 600,000 new or recurrent strokes annually. Black populations have a 40% higher stroke rate than white populations and experience a higher mortality. The clinical manifestations of aortic atherosclerosis include abdominal aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer, intramural hematoma, and peripheral atheroembolization. Thoracic aortic aneurysms also occur in patients with atherosclerotic risk factors, but are less common. The age-adjusted prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is approximately 12% and may exceed 20% in persons greater than 70 years of age. An ankle–brachial index of less than or equal to 0.90 is 90% sensitive and 95% specific for PAD, identifying a patient population at risk for claudication, rest pain, skin ulceration, and critical leg ischemia, prompting amputation. A majority of patients with PAD have concomitant coronary artery disease (85%) and many have carotid artery disease (60%). Although the true prevalence of renal artery disease proceeding to clinical manifestations such as hypertension or renal insufficiency is unknown, autopsy series of patients with cerebrovascular disease and stroke have identified a high incidence of concomitant disease involving at least one renal artery. Vascular disease of the peripheral arterial circulation, most often caused by atherosclerosis and less commonly by vasculitis (or other nonatherosclerotic arteriopathies), is a chronic process that is responsible for progressive and, at times, incapacitating symptoms, disability, and limb loss. The arterial beds most frequently involved, in order of occurrence, are: . . . . • Femoropopliteal-tibial . . . . . . • Aortoiliac . . . . . . • Carotid and vertebral . . . . . . • Splanchnic and renal . . . . . . • Brachiocephalic . . .
