This volume features invited scholarly papers on the topic of molecular and integrative physiology of the musculoskeletal system by clinician-scientists who work at both the bench and the bedside. In addition to bone physiology, this volume also includes papers on muscle physiology and on new paradigms such as arthritis, crossover therapeutics for bisphosphonates in cancer medicine, bone marrow stem cell research in cardiology, and systems biology and bone pathophysiology. This volume examines the musculoskeletal system a complex network of molecular signaling both within the bone and also among bone, muscle, and other organs, such as the intestine, brain, pancreas, adipose tissue, and pituitary gland. Owing to these complex pathways, there are many novel molecular targets for drug development to treat disorders that have been heretofore overlooked or neglected. These include cachexia, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and various deconditioned states associated with an array of chronic illnesses.New paradigms of therapeutic interventions can be realized from a systems approach and from the use of crossover therapies. The skeletal system is intensively involved with immunological and hormonal activity, and tapping these resources may provide more effective ways to manage disease.NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please click here.ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.
