Immune Cells, Inflammation and Cardiovascular Diseases

Inflammation, once considered a physiological response to foreign pathogens, is now recognized as a crucial pathological player in the initiation and progression of several chronic diseases including diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's diseases, and many others. Considering cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in the United States and world-wide, identification of critical inflammatory processes is of utmost importance to devising new immune-based therapeutics that can be added to existing regimens. This book provides detailed information on aspects of inflammation, and the manner in which immune activation pathways affect the progression of cardiovascular diseases and the repair/regeneration mechanisms of underlying diseased tissues. Key Features: Outlines the role inflammation plays in cardiovascular diseases. Describes a paradox - neutralizing cytokines that contribute to cardiovascular disease does not show benefit. Summarizes research on a variety of processes and mechanisms contributing to the cardiovascular pathology. Contributions from an international team of leading cardiologists and cardiovascular immunologists.