Antonino Belfiore is Professor of Endocrinology and Head of the Endocrine Unit at the University of Catanzaro, Italy. He obtained his MD degree at the University of Catania, Italy, and graduated in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (University of Catania) and Nuclear Medicine (University of Padoa). He completed a PhD in Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences (University of Naples) and has been visiting research fellow at the University College of London, Clinical Immunology Department, and at the University of San Francisco, Diabetes Research Branch. Dr. Belfiore was Assistant Professor in Endocrinology at the University of Catania from 1986 to 1998, and Associate Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Catanzaro from 1998 to 2006. He has a longstanding interest in the epidemiology, clinical aspects, and biology of thyroid diseases and in endocrine-related tumors. He is head of the Endocrinology research lab at the University of Catanzaro, and the current main interests

of his research group concern the study of IGF system dysregulation in human cancer, with a particular focus on the role of the insulin receptor, its isoforms, and molecular modulators of these receptors in cancer.

Title is also available as part of a set: Principles of Endocrinology and Hormone Action (978-3-319-45217-3)

The endocrine system.- Crosstalks between the endocrine, nervous and immune systems.- Hormone synthesis, secretion and transport.- Hormone receptors and signal transduction processes.- Mechanisms of control and termination of the hormonal action.- The classical endocrine system and endocrine glands.- The hypothalamus - pituitary axis.- The posterior pituitary.- The thyroid.- The parathyroids.- The adrenal glands.- The endocrine pancreas.- The testis.- The ovary.- Non-classical endocrine organs.- Hormone measurement and testing of endocrine function.- The endocrine regulation of energy and body weight.- The endocrine regulation of blood pressure.- The endocrine control of prenatal and neonatal growth.- Endocrinology of puberty.- The endocrine control of pregnancy.- Hormones and aging.- Principles of endocrine diseases.- Genetics and endocrine function.- Hormones and cancer.

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge of the physiology of the endocrine system and hormone synthesis and release, transport, and action at the molecular and cellular levels. It presents essential as well as in-depth information of value to both medical students and specialists in Endocrinology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Although it is well established that the endocrine system regulates essential functions involved in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, it is increasingly being recognized that this complex regulatory system comprises not only hormones secreted by the classic endocrine glands but also hormones and regulatory factors produced by many organs, and involves extensive crosstalk with the neural and immune system. At the same time, our knowledge of the molecular basis of hormone action has greatly improved. Understanding this complexity of endocrine physiology is crucial to prevent endocrine disorders, to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic tools, and to provide the rationale for pharmacological, immunological, or genetic interventions. It is such understanding that this book is designed to foster.