Integration of Metabolism, Energetics, and Signal Transduction (Bioengineering, Mechanics, and Materials: Principles and Applications in Sport S.)

This book demonstrates how metabolism and energetics are directly linked to those signal transduction pathways that are essential to survival of the cell, the organism, and the species. Recurring patterns of interaction among metabolism, energetics, and signal transduction are fundamental in diverse aspects of human health and disease. This book explores these phenomena in relation to cell growth and death, cancer, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer disease. Part I of the book explores the origins and theory of integration. Topics covered in Part II include: nutrient and energy metabolism in cell proliferation; fatty acids and growth regulation; mitochondrial function in cell growth and death; metabolic effects of antiproliferative agents; fatty acids and mitochondria, cell growth and injury; metabolism and gene expression. Part III of the book deals with energetics of neuronal activation; utilization of oxidizable substrates in the brain; astrocyte metabolism and astrocyte-neuron interaction; neuronal energy metabolism in the brain; astroctyes as metabolic buffer and mediator of neuronal injury; and metabolic factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer Disease. "Dr.  Ockner has written a fascinating and original book which explores potential metabolic links to neurodegeneration.  He takes a fresh look at metabolic pathways involving interaction between astrocyte and neuron that are important for brain health and may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease and other normal and pathological phenomena.  Dr. Ockner has a distinguished research career in fatty acid metabolism and the fatty acid binding proteins and writes with clarity upon this under-explored aspect of the brain in health and disease.  Not only is his book important for understanding links between systemic and cerebral metabolism in neurodegeneration, but  is a must read for scientists with an interest in the connection between metabolic pathways and brain function." —Bruce Miller, M.D. Professor of Neurology Clinical director of the Memory and Aging Center University of California, San Francisco