Biochemistry Books

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Book SynopsisPhotobiology is the scientific study of the interactions of light and living organisms. The last decades have witnessed great strides in understanding the biological effects of light from the molecular all the way up to the whole organism level. Much of the boost for advancing the science of photobiology came from the dramatic increase over this period in the incidence of melanoma and other sun-related skin diseases. In this book, current knowledge about the risks of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on infant skin are summarised, including epidemiologic evidence regarding sun exposure in this age group. This book also explores and discusses the complex cascade of modifications induced within proteins through exposure to irradiation. Exciting new approaches to the characterisation, location, tracking, and ultimately control of photoxidation within proteins are discussed as well. Moreover, the prevention for phototoxic effect is one of the important themes of photobiology. The chemopreventive action of novel organic and inorganic materials on photosensitised biomolecules damage is described in this book. Other chapters provide insights into the death and protective responses of cells treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT) as well as the relationships among gene expressions, examine the effects of natural ultraviolet radiation at zooplankton populations and communities in inland water ecosystems, and the application of folates and their role for skin homeostasis.

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Book SynopsisProteomics is the large-scale study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions. Proteins are vital parts of living organisms, as they are the main components of the physiological metabolic pathways of cells. The proteome is the entire complement of proteins, including the modifications made to a particular set of proteins, produced by an organism or system. This book presents and discusses various topical data on proteomics, including: proteomic technologies used in celiac disease, protein location in plant proteomics, the prediction of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) using proteomics, proteomic studies of mild cognitive impairment, among others.

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Book SynopsisIsoflavonoids are a valuable group of natural products and are primarily synthesised in leguminous plants, where they play important roles in plant defence. They also have significant health benefits for animals and humans and have been ascribed various estrogenic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, leading to their popularity as dietary supplements. This book gathers and presents topical research data on isoflavones including bioactive isoflavones and their implications in cancer treatment and prevention, soy protein and isoflavones in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the processing techniques on isoflavone profiles.

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Book SynopsisProteins are an important class of biological macromolecules present in every biological organism. Proteins are synthesised on ribosomes as a linear chain of amino acid residues in a specific order from information encoded within the DNA. In order to function, each newly synthesised chain must fold into the unique 3-D structure that is characteristic of the individual protein. Protein folding is a highly specific process and each protein has a specific fold to perform its specific function. Uncovering the mechanisms through which such processes take place is one of the greatest challenges in the post genomic era. This book presents current research from around the globe in the study of protein folding, including heterologous protein folding in yeast; how homodimeric proteins fold and assemble; ribosome assisted protein folding; protein disulphide isomerases; and self-assembling peptids for biomedical applications.

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Book SynopsisBioenergetics is the subject of a field of biochemistry that concerns energy flow through living systems. This is an active area of biological research that includes the study of thousands of different cellular processes such as cellular respiration and the many other metabolic processes that can lead to production and utilisation of energy in forms such as ATP molecules. This book presents current research from across the globe in the study of bioenergetics, including Cell ATP production by mitochondria; bioenergetics of closed ecological systems; bioenergetics of thermus thermophilus; as well as screening and studying photosynthetic mutants.

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Book SynopsisCytochrome P450 (CYP) is a super family of phase I enzyme in the biotransformation of xenobiotics and medications. Most medications undergo deactivation by CYP, and then are eliminated through either bile or kidneys from the body. CYP isozymes play a crucial role in drug interactions that may result in enhanced toxicity, reduced efficacy or onset of adverse reactions. On the other hand, many agents affecting CYP expression and activity may alter metabolic rate of different medications co-administrated. Therefore, the molecular basis, regulation by inducers or inhibitors, and pharmacologic reaction of specific CYP isozymes are the key issues of biochemical mechanisms, pharmaceutical development and safe use of various medications. This book is to meet the needs from basic molecular biochemists, pharmacologists, pharmacists, medical students, clinical practitioners and scientists, as well as broad readers who wish to understand how an herbal extract, medication or natural supplement is metabolized or transformed in the liver or other sites for deactivation and elimination. Special focuses are paid to herbal extracts and medications in the treatment of neuro-psychiatric or cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and viral hepatitis. Detailed dissection of drug interactions in a particular field intends to provide rationales for useful guidance of safe drug use in daily practice. The contributing authors are basic scientists, pharmacists, pharmacologists and on-service physicians in cardiovascular, neuro-psychiatric, gastroenterologic and hepatologic fields from Europe (Germany, France, Portugal), Australia, the US and China. Thus, the book is the collection of master pieces by well-known experts from various regions of the world, and represents the current understanding of CYP enzyme reaction and a contemporary coverage of possible drug interactions in involved fields. The featured chapters are scientific elucidation of basic biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical investigations in the interest of drug metabolism, interaction and safe use guidance in the single focus of this microsomal enzyme with multi-facet metabolic function.

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Book SynopsisThe BCL-2 family proteins are crucial regulators of the apoptotic process. This book covers recent structure-based insights into the mechanisms of action of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins as well as into the interactions between antiapoptotic proteins and their ligands. While the main focus is on the apoptotic processes in mammals, the great part of the book is devoted to viral homologues of Bcl-2 family antiapoptotic proteins.

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Book SynopsisHydrogels are polymeric networks with three-dimensional configurations capable of imbibing high amounts of water or biological fluids. The application of hydrogels technology is being widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as drug delivery systems. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the synthesis, characterisation and applications of hydrogels. Topics include the synthesis of protein-based hydrogels for biomedical applications; the role of hydrogels in the development of artificial bone substitutes; protein-based hydrogels from fish industrialisation wastes; silk fibroin hydrogels; PVP-Based hydrogels; and the tribological properties of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels as artificial articular cartilage.

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Book SynopsisA natural product is a chemical compound or substance produced by a living organism - found in nature that usually has a pharmacological or biological activity for use in pharmaceutical drug discovery and drug design. A natural product can be considered as such even if it can be prepared by total synthesis. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the structure, bioactivity and applications of natural products. Topics discussed include the in-vitro assessment of chromones and alkaloids from Caribbean plants as potential anti-tuberculars and chemopreventors; natural products as inhibitors of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like protein-proteasome pathways; the biological activities of red propolis; nanoencapsulation of natural products; and natural products as a source of potential drugs for the treatment of fungal infections.

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Book SynopsisA wide variety of plant-derived compounds, including polyphenols, are present in the human diet and may protect against vascular diseases, cancers, viral infections, neurodegenerative processes and associated anti-inflammatory effects. Among these bioactive compounds, several A wide variety of plant-derived compounds, including polyphenols, are present in the human studies revealed that resveratrol, a trans-3,4'',5-trihydroxystilbene, found in various natural products may be one of the main wine micro-components responsible for health benefits. Indeed, this polyphenol possesses a myriad of beneficial effects and can act at multiple levels, such as cellular signalling, enzymatic pathways and gene expression. Many laboratories have studied the molecular and cellular mechanisms of resveratrol in various models to get insight into its mechanisms of action in various disease processes. The increase of resveratrol interest is both reflected by the number of publications in databases, approximately 4,520 in Medline, and by the large number of patents copyrighted by biotechnology companies with new applications in cosmetic fields, central nervous system, food complement, preparations, to better understand the origins of resveratrol, its cellular and molecular mechanisms in plants and humans, this book on resveratrol has been divided into sections ranging from natural and industrial production to the latest scientific advances and clinical trials through the participation of leading scientists in each area covered in this book. Section 1 describes the sources and new engineering processes for custom and commercial bioreactors production of resveratrol. Section 2 is devoted to the common and new methods of resveratrol analysis. The following sections concern the health benefits of resveratrol. Section 3 shows the anti-oxidant properties of resveratrol in various physiopathological states. Section 4 focuses on the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol and the improvement of the endothelial function. Section 5 deals with metabolic disorders and the potential use of resveratrol in the prevention and treatment of obesity and osteoporosis. Section 6 is dedicated to health benefits of resveratrol against inflammation and associated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The role of new targets such as microRNAs in the biological response of resveratrol is also discussed. Section 7 describes the anticancer properties of resveratrol through the chemoprevention of various cancers, the modulation of cell cycle, the induction of apoptosis and DNA damages. Section 8 reviews the potential use of resveratrol in neuroprotection such as neurovascular system and neuroglial plasticity, and in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer''s and Parkinson''s diseases. Besides the prevention of a number of diseases, other aspects such as dietary intake and bioavailability are important for the comprehension of resveratrol mechanisms of action. In this area, section 9 provides an overview of the metabolism of resveratrol, its pharmacokinetics and the recent advances in resveratrol delivery. The last part of this book, section 10, is dedicated to the clinical development of resveratrol and to the future development of resveratrol derivatives to provide new pharmacological tools for treatment of various diseases. We hope that this book may provide a valuable tool for graduate and PhD students in sciences, biology, medicine and pharmacology and for scientist or clinicians working in this field or all the people using this polyphenol.

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Book SynopsisPrions, probably the most fascinating proteins ever studied, have been in the spotlight for the last 30 years. However, their history is much older. Indeed, the symptoms of what are now known as prion diseases were first described in Europe in sheep in 1730 and called "scrapie" in England, "vertige" in France and "Traberkrankheit" in Germany. This book discusses the development of prions and their various diseases.

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Book SynopsisActin is a globular protein found in all eukaryotic cells and plays a central role in cell morphology, cell adhesions, cell contractility and motility, signal transduction, transcription and its regulation, cytokinesis and synapse formation, as well as malfunctioning of actin which can lead to various diseases. This book presents topical research in the study of the structure, functions and diseases related to actin. Topics discussed include actin dynamics and remodelling of cell-cell junctions in epithelial morphogenesis; osmotic pressure and the polymeric forms of actin; the molecular mechanisms of actin regulatory proteins and actin cytoskeleton alterations.

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Book SynopsisHistones are DNA-binding proteins that help in the packaging of DNA to fit into the cell nucleus in a hierarchy of organisation. During the packaging and unfolding process, histones are involved in crucial biological activities at the molecular level. This book presents research in the study of histone class, structure and function, including the roles of linker histones in chromatin structure, the post-translational modifications of histones and the importance of chromatin structure and epigenetics in gene regulation and carcinogenesis.

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Book SynopsisUric acid is the end-product of the purine metabolism in human beings. Most of this substance is in the form of monosodium urate in compartments with pH 7.4, such as plasma and extracellular fluids. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biology, functions and disease relating to uric acid. Topics discussed include the role of uric acid in the avian species; uric acid in multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases and the role of uric acid in metabolic syndrome and in hypertension and renal failure.

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Book SynopsisThe renin angiotensin system (RAS) maintains the cardiovascular homeostasis and is involved in the pathogenesis of several disorders related to heart and kidney. There are several peptides under RAS in which angiotensin (Ang) II is the major contributor. In this book, the authors present topical research on angiotensin. Some of the topics discussed include the influence of renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system genes on hypertrophy development in hypertrophic caradiomyopathy; cardiac renin angiotensin system and exercise training; the role of the counter-regulatory renin angiotensin system in the heart and new roles for the neuropeptide angiotensin II.

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Book SynopsisThe multidomain extracellular protein fibronectin (Fn) is assuming an increasingly important role in cell biology. Interactions between Fn and juxtaposed cells play an important role in the regulation of cell migration, adhesion, growth, differentiation and apoptosis. This classical "outside-in" signalling leads to the activation of intra-cellular signalling pathways and results in the transient formation of protein-protein complexes and alterations in the states of protein phosphorylation which ultimately lead to changes in gene expression. The role of Fn in the aetiology and regulation of different disease processes is an increasingly popular research area. The role of Fn in the establishment and spread of tumour cells is one such topic. This book draws on the expertise of many laboratories to provide up to date research findings for those interested in this field.

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Book SynopsisCalcium phosphates are key materials to sustain life on Earth as constituent of the gravity-defying bony skeletons of all vertebrates as well as the dentine and enamel materials of teeth. This book contains accounts on the historical development of the scientific knowledge gained on calcium orthophosphates, the latest information on the structure of carbonate-bearing hydroxyapatite, the role played by small amounts of molecular water residing in synthetic hydroxyapatite and bone mineral, as well as the nature of oxyhydroxyapatite and oxyapatite as intermediates during dehydroxylation of hydroxyapatite, pertinent information to unravel the complex processes relevant for plasma-sprayed calcium phosphate coatings on endoprosthetic implants. This book is recommended to industrial and academic professionals in the fields of medical technology, orthopedy, dentistry, biology, materials science, chemistry, environmental engineering, and mineralogy.

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Book SynopsisThis book contains information on the latest research on linoleic acid composition, in a wide range of dietary sources, as well as advancements in food technology to ensure better nutritional quality of LA. Biochemists, nutritionists, dieticians, food industry technologists, clinicians, and allied health professionals will find the information in this book essential and immensely valuable. Topics discussed include: natural sources of linoleic acids (LA); variations in the LA content of plant and animal products; extraction methods for LA; plant adaptation in the polar region and its effect on LA composition in agricultural animals; the effect of geographical variation on consumer preferences for olive oil types; the influence of plant lipids on the LA composition of animal fat; the oxidation kinetics of LA; the potential benefits of LA isomers in treatment of obesity, ischemic stroke and atopic dermatitis; and the possible mechanisms linking LA with the development of various types of cancers.

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Book SynopsisArachidonic acid (AA) is an ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in the phospholipids of the membranes of the human body''s cells, and is abundant in the brain, muscles, and liver. This fatty acid is particularly obtained from meat products including chicken, beef, pork, and fishes. An interesting source of AA is through its accumulation in a green microalga, Myrmecia incisa, enhanced by nitrogen starvation. The general functions of AA and its metabolites including its association with coronary heart disease, oxidative stress and cancer, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and its endocrine response to stress are also discussed.

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Book SynopsisApolipoproteins are proteins that bind lipids (oil-soluble substances such as fat and cholesterol) to form lipoproteins. They transport the lipids through the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Apolipoproteins also serve as enzyme cofactors, receptor ligands, and lipid transfer carriers that regulate the metabolism of lipoproteins and their uptake in tissues. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the regulatory functions, health effects and role in disease of apolipoproteins. Topics include macrophages, apolipoproteins, steroid hormones and molecular mechanisms of cell proliferation; formation of discoidal apolipoprotein A-1 lipid bound complexes; the role of apolipoprotein E in cardiovascular and renal disease; the functional variants and mutations of the apolipoprotein A5 gene in human pathology; and regulation of FGF-1 of ApoE/HDL generation in astrocytes.

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Book SynopsisGlutathione (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) is the most abundant low-molecular-weight thiol found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. GSH has potent electron-donating capacity that renders GSH both a potent antioxidant and a conventional cofactor for enzymatic reactions. GSH participates in many cellular functions such as redox control, stress defense, drug detoxification and cell signaling including regulation of DNA and protein synthesis, gene expression, apoptosis and cell proliferation. GSH concentration in the cell is homeostatically controlled, being continually self-adjusting with respect to the balance between GSH synthesis, its recycling from GSSG and its utilization by other enzymes. Alterations in its concentration contribute to oxidative stress, which plays a key role in aging and the pathogenesis of many diseases associated with redox processes modulation. This book discusses cutting-edge developments and deals with the information gained over the last few years on the physiological, biochemical and molecular roles of the GSH and its significance in mammalian, microbial and plant cells.

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Book SynopsisInterleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays an important role in acute inflammation. It is secreted by T cells and macrophages during infection and after trauma. It is responsible for activation of B cells and other immune cells. In this book, the authors discuss the genetics, clinical applications and role in disease of interleukin-6. Topics include IL-6 inhibitors as novel generation of treatment strategies; the role of interleukin-6 in postoperative delirium; elevated interleukin-6 levels as a consequence of obesity and insulin resistance; the effects of IL-6 on respiratory mechanics in rats; and IL-6 targeting strategy for rheumatoid arthritis and various immune-mediated diseases.

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Book SynopsisGelatine has been the focus of many scientific studies recently published, as it is widely used not only in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals but also in paints, fertilisers, and photographs. In this book, a discussion of the chemistry and cross-linking of gelatine is explored, in addition to the methods used for determination of gelatine quality. This book also discusses the applications of gelatine in neurosurgery, laboratory methods, and forensic applications; gelatine as a carrier matrix for drug delivery applications; recently developed techniques for improving the mechanical strength of gelatine-based films; alternative raw material used in gelatine production; and current discussions on the religious status of gelatine and religious requirements for kosher and halal gelatine production.

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Book SynopsisRibosomes are essential protein-RNA complexes that synthesize proteins according to the gene library of the cell in all living organisms. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the molecular structure, biological functions and implications for genetic disease of ribosomes. Topics include ribosomal alterations and immune-related illness; the role of ribosomes in mediating hypoxia response and tolerance in eukaryotes; the potential biomedical use of ribosome-inactivating proteins; coarse-graining the nano-machine ribosome to elucidate its functional dynamics; and structural aspects of ribosomal ligands interactions providing the work of the human translational machinery.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors discuss the chemical structure, biosynthesis and role in disease of triglycerides. Topics include lipid levels in neuropsychiatric disorders; the role of circadian clocks in the absorption and metabolism of dietary triglycerides; serum lipoprotein lipase mass as a novel biomarker of insulin sensitivity; and the effect of plasma lipids and APOE genotype on cognitive decline.

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Book SynopsisGallic acid and its structurally related compounds are found widely distributed in fruits, plants, vegetables, and derivatives. Esters of gallic acid have a diverse range of industrial uses, as antioxidants in food, in cosmetics, and in the pharmaceutical industry. The authors in this book discuss the natural occurrences, antioxidant properties and health implications of gallic acid. Topics include gallic acid as a source to use for increasing functional properties in food products; gallic acid implications in health as a multi-therapeutic protective agent; the thermal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of gallic acid; gallic acid extraction and its application in the prevention and treatment of cancer; application of spectroscopic techniques for the study of gallic acid autoxidation; gallic acid bioavailability in humans; and gallic acid and its derivatives and their occurrence and identification in high altitude edible and medicinal plants.

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Book SynopsisPTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog) is a dual-specificity phosphatase, and a member of the broad protein tyrosine phosphatase family. PTEN gene encode a phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 3-phosphatase. It plays an important role in a variety of cellular process including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell migration and cell death. When the PTEN enzyme functions properly, it acts as part of a pathway that signals cells to stop dividing and can cause cells to undergo programmed cell death when necessary. These functions prevent uncontrolled cell growth. When the PTEN enzyme function is disrupted, it can lead to human diseases, such as cancer, Cowden syndrome, chronic inflammatory syndromes, developmental defect and diabetes. Especially in cancer, PTEN is one of the most widely studied tumour suppresser genes. It has been found to be the second most frequently mutated gene in human cancers, second only to the tumour suppresser p53 gene. The goal of this book is to provide a wide-ranging forum in the PTEN research field, in particular, with a focus on the structure, mechanism of action and role in cell signalling and regulation. The authors contributing to this book, are all most active researchers in PTEN research field. They presented the most recent advances, approaches and future prospects on PTEN research. This book is suitable as both a professional reference and as a text for biological, medical, biomedical and pharmaceutical interest to scientists, clinicians, teachers and students.

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