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Epigenetic changes are heritable and reversible modifications that significantly affect gene expression without any change in DNA sequence. The epigenetic signature is remodelled during the lifespan as a direct consequence of both environment and lifestyle. Therefore, health or disease status strongly depends on epigenetic marks. This book summarizes the current knowledge in the field and includes chapters on epigenetics in plants and epigenetics in health and disease. It is written for a wide audience of basic and clinical scientists, teachers and students interested in gaining a better understanding of epigenetics.
Spermatogenesis is a process highly conserved throughout vertebrate species and is mainly under hypothalamic-pituitary control. It occurs in the testis in a stepwise fashion so that committed spermatogonia develop into spermatocytes and enter meiosis to produce round spermatids. These undergo a morphological transformation (spermiogenesis) into mature spermatids (i.e.: spermatozoa), which are differentially released from Sertoli cells (spermiation) depending on the species. In mammals, further transformations are necessary to form mature spermatozoa, suitable for fertilization. Gonadotropins, mainly responsive to gonadotropin-releasing hormone, control spermatogenesis through specific recept...
In 1996 a cDNA called KISS1 (KI in reference to the place of discovery-Hershey Pennsylvania, home of the famous Hershey Chocolate Kisses- and SS as suppressor sequence) was identified in non-metastatic melanoma cell lines. Its 54 amino-acid product, Kisspeptin-54 (Kp-54), was originally called metastin for its ability to inhibit cancer metastasis through the activation of a G coupled receptor, previously known as GPR54 and currently renamed the Kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R). Shorter active peptides all capable of binding to KISS1R have been identified and the physiological activities of these Kisspeptins are now known to extend not only to the suppression of metastasis. Kisspeptins currently ...
Spermatozoa, the haploid male gametes, are highly specialized cells capable to fertilize eggs in order to produce diploid zygote. The biogenesis of spermatozoa requires finely modulated occurrence of mitotic, meiotic, and differentiation events. Hence, the production of high-quality spermatozoa impacts fertilization with outcomes on the health of the offspring. This book provides a comprehensive overview on the biogenesis, maturation, functions and activities of spermatozoa in both physiological conditions and infertility. Particular attention has been addressed to the impact of environment on sperm quality and to the appropriate selection of high-quality spermatozoa for in vitro fertilization. Taken together, this book targets a wide audience of basic and clinical scientists, teachers and students, and offers a better understanding of spermatozoa health and disease.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge of cannabinoid activity in human physiology and points out the importance of endocannabinoid system for the maintenance of human health and treatment of diseases. Each chapter has been organized with the aim to cover basic concepts in the modulation of endocannabinoid system in both physiological and pathological conditions, thanks to the integration of data from experimental animal models and clinical observations. A special focus has been put on the medical use of cannabinoids and on the targeting of endocannabinoid system as new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Taken together, this book targets a wide audience of basic and clinical scientists, teachers and students interested in gaining a better understanding in the field of cannabinoids.
The European Partnership on the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) project was launched in 2022. The overarching aim of this partnership is to enhance our knowledge about chemical substances to better safeguard human health and the environment against harmful effects. The project will run for seven years under Horizon Europe. PARC is subdivided into several work packages (WPs). WP5 is focused on hazard assessment for human and environmental health and includes more than 80 partners across Europe. WP5 aims to fill data gaps for specified chemical substances of concern (e.g, bisphenol alternatives) and to develop or improve new approach methodologies (NAMs) for chemical hazard assessment. This is in order to progress towards a risk assessment paradigm relying less on animal toxicity data, both with respect to human health and environmental safety. As the PARC initiative will evolve over time with respect to both projects and activities, presenting early initiatives will foster an increased awareness of ongoing activities and potential incorporation of new activities going forward.
Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 2: Amphibians is the second of five second-edition volumes representing a comprehensive and integrated overview of hormones and reproduction in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The book includes coverage of endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of amphibian reproduction. It provides a broad treatment of the roles of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones in all aspects of reproduction, as well as descriptions of major life history events. New to this edition is a concluding assessment of the effect of environmental influences on amphibians. Initial chapters in this book broadly examine...
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OF POLYPHENOLS A groundbreaking synthesis of rich and varied polyphenol research Polyphenols are a class of compounds, found naturally in fruits and vegetables, whose flexibility and ubiquity give them a vast range of applications in pharmaceutical, environmental, and biological research and development. They play a role in diagnosing and preventing diseases from diabetes to Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s and have been integral in food preservation. The field of polyphenols research has the potential to touch virtually every area of organic production. Science and Engineering of Polyphenols provides a current and comprehensive overview of this field of research and it...
International Review of Cytology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology—both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future research. - Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field - Provides up-to-date information and directions for future research - Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists
First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms. Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, Vitamins and Hormones continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines. This volume reviews recent advances in the formation of endogenous cannabinoids and their receptors, metabolism and relation to disease processes. - Longest running series published by Academic Press - Contributions by leading international authorities