Chapters authored
Biochemistry and Stereochemistry of Anticoagulants
The spatial conformation of a molecule, in general, is closely connected to its interaction with the human body, meaning bioreceptors, metabolizing enzymes, transporting proteins, etc. This chapter provides useful information regarding the importance of spatial conformation(s) of anticoagulant molecules in their pharmacological activity. It is divided in several sections: firstly, a short introduction is made into the world of stereochemistry, and the importance of this field to the pharmacotherapy is highlighted. Then, each anticoagulant class is treated regarding their spatial orientations and their significance linked to the mechanism of action, anticoagulant activity, potency, etc.
Part of the book: Anticoagulation Therapy
Importance of Fatty Acids in Physiopathology of Human Body
Fatty acids are important components of the human body, having biological, structural and functional roles. Besides their role as source of energy, they act as main constituents of cellular membranes. In this case, as part of the membrane phospholipids, they assure the fluidity, flexibility, permeability of the membrane and also assure the passive transport through the membrane and are interconnected with other proteins in intra and intercellular way. Among these fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seem to be the most important, due to their multiple biological roles, such as influencing the inflammatory cascade, reducing the oxidative stress, presenting neuroprotection and cardiovascular protection. Fatty acid levels have been shown to be altered in different diseases, which is why they have been used to identify potential biomarkers for several pathologies, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Consequently, this chapter synthesizes the most important physiological and pathological implications of fatty acids in human body functioning.
Part of the book: Fatty Acids