The Npy Family Of Peptides In Immune Disorders, Inflammation, Angiogenesis, And Cancer (progress In Inflammation Research)

Recent research indicates that the immune system and inflammatory reactions are governed and regulated by powerful neuronal mediators derived from the central and peripheral nervous system. The NPY family of peptides is a diverse group of neuropeptides that acts via multiple receptors, Y1-Y5, which are widespread not only in neurons but also in a variety of non-neural and immune cells. These peptides have been known as important regulators of many essential systems, such as blood pressure and cardiac function, food consumption and energy homeostasis. However, in recent years, they have also become recognized for their role as potent modulators of cell growth and immune functions with broad implications in chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer and angiogenesis. In this book, experts in the field analyze recent evidence supporting the role of NPY family of peptides in regulation of the immune/inflammatory system with special reference to its medical and therapeutic implications. The NPY-family of peptides encompasses several groups of neurotransmitters and hormones, which exert diverse biological and pathological actions that bear on all major vital systems. This book is a unique compilation of the most recent breakthroughs in NPY/PYY neurobiology, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The identification of multiple receptors for the members of the NPY and PYY family of peptides provides new opportunities for discovery of specific NPY antagonists and agonists that have vast clinical potential. The recognition of the role of NPY in stimulation of food intake has already resulted in discovery of potent and selective NPY receptor Y-5 antagonists, which are in clinical development for obesity. NPY Y1 receptor antagonists are targeted for cardiovascular indications. Research into the multiple functions of NPY and its receptors in neurological and affective disorders is also actively pursued. The chapters in this book are written by internationally renowned experts with the objective to synthesize leading concepts and data in support for translational medicine. The ideal complement to this volume is the book NPY Family of Peptides in Immune Disorders, Inflammation, Angiogenesis, and Cancer, recently published by the same editors in the Birkhäuser book series Progress in Inflammation Research. Both volumes together give a comprehensive overview of the NPY family of peptides "In this book, experts in the field analyze recent evidence supporting the role of NPY family peptides in regulation of the immune/inflammatory system with special reference to its medical and therapeutic implications. Of special interest are the NPY functions in angiogenesis that provide new insights into vascular and neural remodeling, inflammation, tissue regeneration and tumor biology as well as offer new strategies for treatment of atherosclerosis, cancer and vascular ischemic diseases."--BOOK JACKET. Zofia Zukowska, Giora Z. Feuerstein, Editors. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.