Thyroid Hormone MetabolismMolecular Biology and Alternate Pathways

Alternate pathways of thyroid hormone metabolism are a major recent advance. These pathways are associated with a number of physiological and disease states. This book summarizes the recent breakthroughs in this area of endocrinology.

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This book gathers some of the most talented and well-informed experts in the field, who not only summarize the recent breakthroughs and new findings, but also shed light on future research. Special emphasis is placed on the exciting new understanding of the molecular structure of one of the major enzymes (type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase) involved in the activation of the thyroid hormone. This breakthrough culminates the major effort in this field around the world. As a result, we can study the regulation of thyroid hormone activation mechanism at the molecular level. Two other important deiodinase enzymes (types II and III) are also reviewed.
Alternate pathways of thyroid hormone metabolism represent another major advance. These pathways are associated with a variety of physiological and disease states, including fasting, glucocorticoid excess, fetal development, and inflammatory and non-thyroidal illnesses. The understanding of these pathways assists us to better understand the physiological and biological basis of the disease process and thus to improve clinical management of patients with thyroidal and non-thyroidal illnesses.