Even though initially considered as a passive means for storing energy, lipids are now regarded as multifaceted molecules with crucial structural and functional activities. For instance, some of them play essential roles as key components of cell membranes whereas others act as signaling molecules in the regulation of cell homeostasis. In recent years, lipid research has attracted increasing interest because of the involvement of this class of compounds in human health. Indeed, a plethora of pathological conditions are characterized by alterations in lipid metabolism, such as cardiovascular diseases and brain disorders. This Special Issue is a collection of papers from different experts in lipid research, with the aim of providing new insights into the physiopathological involvement of lipids and their impact on human health. This collection also demonstrates the usefulness of interdisciplinary approaches in the development of novel methods to study and manipulate lipid metabolism, which may represent an attractive target for designing effective therapeutic strategies to counteract numerous pathologies.

Lipids (fats and oils) are a wide range of organic molecules that serve several functions in organisms. Lipids are essential components of our diet, highlighting their important contribution in energy, representing 9 kcal/g (or 37.7 kJ/g), and by some components relevant to the metabolism, such as essential fatty acids, fat soluble vitamins and sterols (cholesterol and phytosterols). Besides this, lipids have key roles in human growth and development, along with promoting, preventing and/or participating in the origin or eventually in the treatment of various diseases. This book presents a systematic and comprehensive review about the structure and metabolism of lipids, particularly highlighting the importance of these molecules in the body and considering the interest of some lipids in health and disease.

Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins and Their Roles in Human Health and Disease: From Basic Science to Clinical Application presents the latest information on the contributions of different FABPs in physiology and pathophysiology, along with their importance in clinical outcomes. The book is divided into six main sections that cover FABP biology and their role in inflammation and diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurological, and liver diseases, to FABPs and their clinical applications. Each chapter thoroughly reviews current literature, primary research data and clinical cases, providing readers with an overview of the latest information in the expanded field of FABPs. This is an invaluable resource for both researchers and clinicians familiar with and those new to the exciting and everchanging world of fatty acid-binding proteins and clinical disorders. - Compiles the most recent and comprehensive findings on fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) - Describes the pathophysiology of FABPs in various diseases and as therapeutic targets - Highlights opportunities for improving diagnosis and treatment by encompassing all pathological conditions involving FABPs

The book brings together the current knowledge and future perspectives of the complex physiology and pathophysiology of gut-liver interactions in health and disease. It provides readers with a unique overview and access to knowledge that cannot be obtained elsewhere. The structure is logical and covers all aspect including the normal physiology, changes in various liver diseases, technology, sample collection and various interventions. Thus suitable for general reading, lookup for specific questions or as a reference book within the area. The book allows the reader to access all the knowledge that has been generated within the last 10 years in this field.

Lipid Mediators and Their Metabolism in the Brain presents readers with cutting edge and comprehensive information not only on the synthesis and degradation of glycerophospholipid-, sphingolipid-, and cholesterol-derived lipid mediators, but also their involvement in neurological disorders. It is hoped that this monograph will be useful not only to postgraduate student and their teachers, but also to research scientists and physicians, who are curious about the generation and roles of lipid mediators in the brain.

With Cholesterol, Drs. Anna Bukiya and Alex Dopico have compiled a comprehensive resource on biological and clinical aspects of cholesterol, spanning biophysics and biochemistry, as well as the latest pharmacological discoveries employed to tackle disorders associated with abnormal cholesterol levels. Early chapters on basic biology offer guidance in cholesterol lab chemistry, cholesterol metabolism and synthesis, molecular evolution of cholesterol and sterols, cholesterol peptides, and cholesterol modulation. Chapters on cellular and organismal development discuss cholesterol transport in blood, lipoproteins, and cholesterol metabolism; cholesterol detection in the blood; cellular cholesterol levels; hypercholesterolemia; and the role of cholesterol in early human development. Pathophysical specialists consider familial hypobetalipoproteinemia, critical illness and cholesterol levels, coronary artery disease, CESD, cholesterol and viral pathology, cholesterol and neurodegenerative disorders, and cholesterol and substance use disorders. A final section examines pharmacology of drug delivery systems targeting cholesterol related disorders, cholesterol receptors, cholesterol reduction, statins, citrate lyase, cyclodextrins, and clinical management. Cholesterol: From Biophysics and Biochemistry to Pathology and Pharmacology empowers researchers, students, and clinicians across various disciplines to advance new cholesterol-based studies, improve clinical management, and drive drug discovery. - Ties basic biology to clinical application and drug discovery - Provides methods and protocols for lab-based cholesterol research and clinical testing - Examines the latest pharmacological discoveries employed to tackle cholesterol related disorders - Includes chapter contributions from a wide range of specialists, uniting various disciplines

Nutritional imbalances, including various vitamins and minerals (magnesium, zinc, calcium, iodine, selenium, iron, and phosphate), are associated with the initiation and propagation of various chronic diseases, including metabolic and systemic diseases. Increased accessibility of value-based nutritious foods with professional help to raise the awareness of the long-term benefits of healthy eating habits can delay the evolvement and progression of chronic human diseases. The value-based nutritional intervention can improve general health outcomes for patients with chronic diseases, and reduce overall care costs.