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From The Critics
Reviewer: Salman Atiq Arain, MD(Ochsner Clinic Foundation)Description: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today. The association between elevations of inflammatory biomarkers and presence of various cardiac illnesses is well established. Over the past few decades basic sciences research has focused on elucidating the role of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of cardiac maladies. This is the latest book in the Progress in Inflammation Research series and is the first volume that describes inflammatory processes in the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases.
Purpose: The purpose of the book is to provide an up-to-date account of the biochemical pathways that cause cardiac dysfunction at cellular and subcellular levels. In keeping with the theme of the series, there is an emphasis on the ways in which these mechanisms may be exploited to devise newer pharmacologic interventions and promote healing. The authors of the book include experts from various international centers who have made contributions to this field. An editorial panel of three acknowledged scientists oversees the project, introducing the subject by means of a discussion of C-reactive protein. The first chapter provides a framework for the rest of the book, and the editors do well in maintaining consistency of style.
Audience: This book is targeted primarily towards cardiovascular researchers in academia and industry. However, the scope of the book is broad enough and the language clear enough to appeal to the practicing clinician.
Features: "The book is organized into 12 sections. Each section addresses a specific aspect of the inflammatory response in heart disease, for example myocardial nitric oxide in cardiac remodeling. The editors have not restricted themselves to the "usual suspects" (such as CRP or nitric oxide), or to common diseases (for example myocardial infarction, ventricular hypertrophy, or heart failure). Instead, they have discussed conditions typically not considered to have an inflammatory etiology (for example atrial fibrillation, and stress induced myocardial ischemia), and those that involve newer biomarkers (such as PPAR) and novel pathways. Each chapter begins with a brief description of the clinical aspects of a certain disease (for example, cardiac remodeling). The authors then delve into the role played by various inflammatory and immune factors in causing the condition. Well-established data is presented first, followed by evidence from experimental models. Each chapter includes a brief description of future research in that area, and concludes with a summary of the topic. The text is supported (sometimes sparingly) with annotated diagrams, tables, electron micrographs and images of histopathology. The references are current, relevant, and plentiful. "
Assessment: This is an excellent reference for biomedical researchers, basic scientists, and cardiologists, or any subspecialists who seek to enhance their knowledge in this area.
Overview
Heart failure research is a most active area of research in academic, industrial and government-sponsored research and receives intense clinical attention. The recent recognition that inflammation is a risk factor and prognostic factor for heart disease has laid ground for preventive medicine and even anti-infective strategies in prevention and treatment of heart failure.
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