Main description:

Osteoimmunology is a new and rapidly developing field of great importance. It deals with mechanisms and possible treatments of bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis, that are caused by or associated with a malfunctioning immune system. This book describes the basics of bone biology and of the immune system and provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of bone diseases. In addition, clinical data is presented and put into context with the newest research findings. It was intended for all scientists and physicians working in immunology, pathophysiology and osteology.

Contents:

Chapter 1 Basics of bone biology Martina Rauner, Nicola Stein, Lorenz C. Hofbauer Chapter 2 Towards the automated detection and characterization of osteoclasts in microscopic images Andreas Heindl, Martin Schepelmann, Rupert Ecker, Peter Pietschmann, Isabella Ellinger, Alexander K. Seewald, Theresia Thalhammer Chapter 3 An introduction to the immune system Veronika Lang, Georg Schett Chapter 4 Effects of vitamin D in the immune system Ursula Azizi-Semrad, Peter Pietschmann, Martin Willheim Chapter 5 Osteoimmunological aspects of biomechanics Katherina Kerschan-Schindl, Gerold Ebenbichler Chapter 6 Utility of the determination of biomarkers of bone metabolism Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch, Verena Schwetz Chapter 7 Osteoporosis: Pathophysiology and clinical aspects Peter Mikosch Chapter 8 Rheumatoid arthritis & ankylosing spondylitis Douglas HN White Chapter 9 RANKL inhibition: preclinical data Wolfgang Sipos Chapter 10 RANKL inhibition: clinical data Nicola Stein, Martina Rauner, Lorenz C. Hofbauer Chapter 11 Osteoimmunological aspects of peridontal diseases Kristina Bertl, Peter Pietschmann, Michael Matejka