We are pleased to present to our readers the Proceedings of the International Symposium "Proteases: Potential Role in Health and Disease" which was held in WUrzburg (FRG) during October 17-20, 1982. The topics discussed included those dealing with the physi ology and pathophysiology of proteases and their inhibitors, the interactions of proteases and hormones, the kallikrein-kinin system, complement and the coagulation system, the function of proteases in the kidney and the intestinal tract as well as the role of proteases in lung diseases, pancreatitis, arthritis and hypercatabolic states (multiple trauma, septicemia, acute renal failure). The papers presented answered many questions, but raised many more concerning the significance of proteases and their inhibitors in clinical medicine. It was unfortunately impossible in this volume to in clude the extended, lively and extremely stimulating discussions which were enjoyed by the participants during the conference. The meeting has provided a unique framework for close inter action between scientists from various disciplines, including bio chemistry, physiology, surgery, anaesthesiology, endocrinology, hematology, pulmonology and nephrology. We would like to express our thanks and appreciation for all those who have stimulated, encouraged and supported us to hold this symposium in WUrzburg. This endeavor could not have been possible without the generous financial support of the Paul-Martini Foundation (Mainz), Bayer AG (Leverkusen), Beiersdorf AG (Hamburg).

In view of rapidly growing research in the deregulation of proteases and their impact in human health and diseases, this book will highlight existing and emerging research in this exciting area. In-depth critical state-of-the-art reviews will be written by established investigators on proteases dysfunctions associated with pathogenesis of different diseases that are known to occur due to deregulation of proteolytic systems. Multidisciplinary approaches demonstrating biochemical and signal transduction mechanisms associated with deregulation of proteases leading to manifestation of the diseases will be discussed. The book highlights the roles of both intracellular and extracellular proteases in health and disease.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

Fibrinolysis in Disease reviews the state of the art of basic and clinical aspects of the fibrinolytic enzyme system. The text, authored by outstanding and internationally known investigators, is presented in two books. The Malignant Process, Interventions in Thrombogenic Mechanisms, and Novel Treatment Modalities discusses the molecular biology of the system's key components and their fundamental roles in a variety of thrombotic and metabolic disorders. Molecular and Hemovascular Aspects of Fybrinolysis presents the latest findings and concepts of the association between plasminogen activator (u-PA) overexpression and abnormal growth regulation in a variety of solid tumors and in leukemia. One chapter deals with various successful interventions in thrombogenic mechanisms, ranging from exercise and diet to anticoagulants and direct and indirect thrombolytic agents. It concludes with a projection of exciting, novel treatment modalities in thrombotic and malignant diseases.

Cholesterol is essential for normal cellular function. It is found in all cells of the body and is a major constituent of cell membranes. In addition, certain specialized tissues use cholesterol as the basic substrate for the synthesis of more complicated sterols such as bile acids and the steroid hormones. Like most lipids cholesterol has a very low solubility in water. Therefore, in order for these molecules to be transported be tween different organs of the body a series of lipid carriers known as lipoproteins has evolved. Over the last several years epidemiological evidence has accumulated suggest ing a strong relationship between the risk of atherosclerosis and high plasma concen trations of one of these lipoproteins, low density lipoprotein (LDL) 1). Thus, in popula tions with high plasma concentrations of LDL-cholesterol a correspondingly high incidence of vascular disease is seen. Since it has been demonstrated that reducing the steady-state plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration produces a proportional decrease in the risk of developing atherosclerosis 2), a major effort is now underway to develop safe and effective lipid lowering agents. In the past, these efforts have been hampered by a lack of knowledge concerning the physiological regulation of the plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration. However, recently there have been several major advances in these areas and it is now possible to precisely determine those factors that have the greatest effect on either increasing or decreasing the plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration.

Covering both new and traditional topics in the purification and analysis of recombinant proteins, this volume demonstrates how to overcome problems in protein research and presents practical methods used in protein work, explaining their theoretical bases. The collection also explores innovative co

Presenting a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted field of proteases in the extracellular matrix environment, this reference focuses on the recently elucidated functions of complex proteolytic systems in physiological and pathological tissue remodeling. The proteases treated include both serine proteases such as plasminogen activators and TTSPs, metalloproteases such as MMPs and ADAMS and cysteine protease cathepsins. The text specifically addresses the role of extracellular proteases in cancer cell invasion, stroke and infectious diseases, describing the basic biochemistry behind these disease states, as well as therapeutic strategies based on protease inhibition. With its trans-disciplinary scope, this reference bridges the gap between fundamental research and biomedical and pharmaceutical application, making this required reading for basic and applied scientists in the molecular life sciences.