Author: Marcia I. Dawson
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351087533
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 824
Book Description
The purpose of this book is to present an overview of advances in both retinal and retinoic acid synthetic chemistry and biology. Chapters are written by research workers who are active in these fields. Emphasis is placed on structure-activity relationships. It includes topics of cell differentiation, maintenance of cell morphology, and vision. This reference contains a special section on assays which were developed to measure retinoid activity. This book is ideal for those interested in the fields of photobiology, organic chemistry, biological chemistry, and nutrition.
Chemistry and Biology of Synthetic Retinoids
Author: Marcia I. Dawson
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351087533
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 824
Book Description
The purpose of this book is to present an overview of advances in both retinal and retinoic acid synthetic chemistry and biology. Chapters are written by research workers who are active in these fields. Emphasis is placed on structure-activity relationships. It includes topics of cell differentiation, maintenance of cell morphology, and vision. This reference contains a special section on assays which were developed to measure retinoid activity. This book is ideal for those interested in the fields of photobiology, organic chemistry, biological chemistry, and nutrition.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351087533
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 824
Book Description
The purpose of this book is to present an overview of advances in both retinal and retinoic acid synthetic chemistry and biology. Chapters are written by research workers who are active in these fields. Emphasis is placed on structure-activity relationships. It includes topics of cell differentiation, maintenance of cell morphology, and vision. This reference contains a special section on assays which were developed to measure retinoid activity. This book is ideal for those interested in the fields of photobiology, organic chemistry, biological chemistry, and nutrition.
Cosmetic Dermatology
Author: Zoe Diana Draelos
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118655486
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 560
Book Description
Back for a new edition, Zoe Draelos' outstanding resource to cosmetic dermatology again provides a highly-illustrated, clinical guide to the full range of cosmetic skin treatments. Bringing together experts from research, industry, surgery and practice, it is structured in four distinct parts for easy navigation by the busy clinician: Basic Concepts - giving an overview of the physiology pertinent to cosmetic dermatology and the delivery systems by which treatments can take effect; Hygiene Products - evaluating cleansing and moisturising products; Adornment - looking at aesthetic techniques such as cosmetics, nail protheses and hair treatment; Antiaging - ie, injectables, resurfacing and skin contouring techniques, and the rapidly growing area of Cosmeceuticals. With over 300 high-quality images and key summary boxes throughout, this new edition incorporates the newest procedural innovations in this rapidly developing field. Perfect for all dermatologists, especially those specialising in cosmetic dermatology and whether hospital-based or in private practice, it provides the complete cosmetic regimen for your patients and will be an indispensable tool to consult over and over again.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118655486
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 560
Book Description
Back for a new edition, Zoe Draelos' outstanding resource to cosmetic dermatology again provides a highly-illustrated, clinical guide to the full range of cosmetic skin treatments. Bringing together experts from research, industry, surgery and practice, it is structured in four distinct parts for easy navigation by the busy clinician: Basic Concepts - giving an overview of the physiology pertinent to cosmetic dermatology and the delivery systems by which treatments can take effect; Hygiene Products - evaluating cleansing and moisturising products; Adornment - looking at aesthetic techniques such as cosmetics, nail protheses and hair treatment; Antiaging - ie, injectables, resurfacing and skin contouring techniques, and the rapidly growing area of Cosmeceuticals. With over 300 high-quality images and key summary boxes throughout, this new edition incorporates the newest procedural innovations in this rapidly developing field. Perfect for all dermatologists, especially those specialising in cosmetic dermatology and whether hospital-based or in private practice, it provides the complete cosmetic regimen for your patients and will be an indispensable tool to consult over and over again.
Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy
Author: Stephen E Wolverton
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN: 0323612121
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 1073
Book Description
Designed with practical usability in mind, Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy, 4th Edition, helps you safely and effectively treat the skin disorders you're likely to see in your practice. Dr. Stephen E. Wolverton and new associate editor Dr. Jashin J. Wu lead a team of global experts to bring you concise, complete guidance on today's full spectrum of topical, intralesional, and systemic drugs. You'll prescribe with confidence thanks to expert coverage of which drugs to use, when to use them, and adverse effects to monitor. - Includes new drug interaction tables, drug risk profiles, and FDA guidelines, as well as two new appendices that summarize chapter questions and summarize highest-risk drug interactions. - Covers the best uses for new biologic therapeutics. - Contains new chapters covering medical decision-making principles, PDE-4 and JAK inhibitors, interleukin 17 inhibitors, interleukin 23 inhibitors, additional biologic therapeutics, and hedgehog pathway inhibitors. - Contains quick-access summaries of indications/contraindications, dosage guidelines, drug interactions, drug monitoring guidelines, adverse effects, and treatment protocols. - Features a highly detailed, disease-specific index, as well as purchase information for major drugs. - Helps you assess your knowledge and prepare for certification or recertification with about 800 review questions and answers throughout the book. - Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN: 0323612121
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 1073
Book Description
Designed with practical usability in mind, Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy, 4th Edition, helps you safely and effectively treat the skin disorders you're likely to see in your practice. Dr. Stephen E. Wolverton and new associate editor Dr. Jashin J. Wu lead a team of global experts to bring you concise, complete guidance on today's full spectrum of topical, intralesional, and systemic drugs. You'll prescribe with confidence thanks to expert coverage of which drugs to use, when to use them, and adverse effects to monitor. - Includes new drug interaction tables, drug risk profiles, and FDA guidelines, as well as two new appendices that summarize chapter questions and summarize highest-risk drug interactions. - Covers the best uses for new biologic therapeutics. - Contains new chapters covering medical decision-making principles, PDE-4 and JAK inhibitors, interleukin 17 inhibitors, interleukin 23 inhibitors, additional biologic therapeutics, and hedgehog pathway inhibitors. - Contains quick-access summaries of indications/contraindications, dosage guidelines, drug interactions, drug monitoring guidelines, adverse effects, and treatment protocols. - Features a highly detailed, disease-specific index, as well as purchase information for major drugs. - Helps you assess your knowledge and prepare for certification or recertification with about 800 review questions and answers throughout the book. - Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.
Diet and Cancer
Author: Maryce M. Jacobs
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1489909397
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 267
Book Description
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) sponsored its third annual confer ence on nutrition and cancer. The theme was "Diet and Cancer: Markers, Prevention, and Treatment. " The conference was held October 29-30, 1992 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in McLean, Virginia. This proceedings contains chapters from the platform presentations and abstracts from the poster presentations. Several chapters address each of four session topics: Retinoids as Differentiation Agents in Cancer Therapy, Biological Markers of Cancer Risk, Chemoprevention of Cancer by Non-Nutrients in Foods, and Nutritional Problems and Support in the Treatment of Cancer. The first three chapters discuss in detail different mechanisms by which retinoids influence differentiation and provide evidence to support their use in cancer therapy. In vivo and in vitro studies show the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on tumorigenicity and cellu lar/molecular events. A synopsis of data showing the involvement of the retinoblastoma (RB) gene in HL-60 cell differentiation induced by RA and 1,2S-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (VD) is presented. In SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mice injected with HL-60 3 human leukemia cells and gavaged daily with RA, the number of tumor sites and number of mice with tumors are reduced. All trans-RA induces myeloid differentiation in HL-60 cells. Similarly, VD3 induces HL-60 monocytic differentiation. In both cases an early down regulation of retinoblastoma (RB) gene expression precedes the differentiation.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1489909397
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 267
Book Description
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) sponsored its third annual confer ence on nutrition and cancer. The theme was "Diet and Cancer: Markers, Prevention, and Treatment. " The conference was held October 29-30, 1992 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in McLean, Virginia. This proceedings contains chapters from the platform presentations and abstracts from the poster presentations. Several chapters address each of four session topics: Retinoids as Differentiation Agents in Cancer Therapy, Biological Markers of Cancer Risk, Chemoprevention of Cancer by Non-Nutrients in Foods, and Nutritional Problems and Support in the Treatment of Cancer. The first three chapters discuss in detail different mechanisms by which retinoids influence differentiation and provide evidence to support their use in cancer therapy. In vivo and in vitro studies show the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on tumorigenicity and cellu lar/molecular events. A synopsis of data showing the involvement of the retinoblastoma (RB) gene in HL-60 cell differentiation induced by RA and 1,2S-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (VD) is presented. In SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mice injected with HL-60 3 human leukemia cells and gavaged daily with RA, the number of tumor sites and number of mice with tumors are reduced. All trans-RA induces myeloid differentiation in HL-60 cells. Similarly, VD3 induces HL-60 monocytic differentiation. In both cases an early down regulation of retinoblastoma (RB) gene expression precedes the differentiation.
Vitamin A and Retinoids
Author: Maria A. Livrea
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9783764358822
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
Rapid progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cell growth and oncogenesis during the past decade. Special attention has been given to the presentation of the frequently neglected close correlation between changes in signal transduction and metabolic pathways during oncogenesis. This book advances the knowledge of mechanisms regulating metabolism and functioning of vitamin A and offers the most recent results of research on the clinical efficiency of retinoids in skin disorders and cancer. The book presents recent findings on the regulation of cell growth in normal and neoplastic tissues by growth factors including hormones, and by the activation and inactivation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, respectively. It also offers a survey of the molecular and cell biochemistry of retinoids. Basic researchers in biochemistry, pharmacology and cell biology as well as clinicians will find this book very informative and up-to-date. This book advances the knowledge of mechanisms regulating metabolism and functioning of vitamin A and offers the most recent results of research on clinical efficiency of retinoids in skin disorders and cancer. Basic researchers in biochemistry, pharmacology, cell biology, and clinicians will find this book very informative and up-to-date. The chapters, organized in six sections, are contributed by leading scientists who have been working in the retinoid field for decades. Their experience and competence is aknowledged worldwide.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9783764358822
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
Rapid progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cell growth and oncogenesis during the past decade. Special attention has been given to the presentation of the frequently neglected close correlation between changes in signal transduction and metabolic pathways during oncogenesis. This book advances the knowledge of mechanisms regulating metabolism and functioning of vitamin A and offers the most recent results of research on the clinical efficiency of retinoids in skin disorders and cancer. The book presents recent findings on the regulation of cell growth in normal and neoplastic tissues by growth factors including hormones, and by the activation and inactivation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, respectively. It also offers a survey of the molecular and cell biochemistry of retinoids. Basic researchers in biochemistry, pharmacology and cell biology as well as clinicians will find this book very informative and up-to-date. This book advances the knowledge of mechanisms regulating metabolism and functioning of vitamin A and offers the most recent results of research on clinical efficiency of retinoids in skin disorders and cancer. Basic researchers in biochemistry, pharmacology, cell biology, and clinicians will find this book very informative and up-to-date. The chapters, organized in six sections, are contributed by leading scientists who have been working in the retinoid field for decades. Their experience and competence is aknowledged worldwide.
Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine
Author: Robert C. Bast, Jr.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118934695
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 2003
Book Description
Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118934695
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 2003
Book Description
Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates
Medicinal Chemistry of Anticancer Drugs
Author: Carmen AvendaƱo
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444626670
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 767
Book Description
Medicinal Chemistry of Anticancer Drugs, Second Edition, provides an updated treatment from the point of view of medicinal chemistry and drug design, focusing on the mechanism of action of antitumor drugs from the molecular level, and on the relationship between chemical structure and chemical and biochemical reactivity of antitumor agents. Antitumor chemotherapy is a very active field of research, and a huge amount of information on the topic is generated every year. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is gradually being supplemented by a new generation of drugs that recognize specific targets on the surface or inside cancer cells, and resistance to antitumor drugs continues to be investigated. While these therapies are in their infancy, they hold promise of more effective therapies with fewer side effects. Although many books are available that deal with clinical aspects of cancer chemotherapy, this book provides a sorely needed update from the point of view of medicinal chemistry and drug design. - Presents information in a clear and concise way using a large number of figures - Historical background provides insights on how the process of drug discovery in the anticancer field has evolved - Extensive references to primary literature
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444626670
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 767
Book Description
Medicinal Chemistry of Anticancer Drugs, Second Edition, provides an updated treatment from the point of view of medicinal chemistry and drug design, focusing on the mechanism of action of antitumor drugs from the molecular level, and on the relationship between chemical structure and chemical and biochemical reactivity of antitumor agents. Antitumor chemotherapy is a very active field of research, and a huge amount of information on the topic is generated every year. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is gradually being supplemented by a new generation of drugs that recognize specific targets on the surface or inside cancer cells, and resistance to antitumor drugs continues to be investigated. While these therapies are in their infancy, they hold promise of more effective therapies with fewer side effects. Although many books are available that deal with clinical aspects of cancer chemotherapy, this book provides a sorely needed update from the point of view of medicinal chemistry and drug design. - Presents information in a clear and concise way using a large number of figures - Historical background provides insights on how the process of drug discovery in the anticancer field has evolved - Extensive references to primary literature
Retinoids in Dermatology
Author: Ayse Serap Karadag
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429852614
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
Retinoids are valuable drugs in the dermatologic armamentarium, being employed in daily clinical practice. The text provides an in-depth update on the latest thinking on pharmacology, clinical use, side effects, and follow-up of retinoid therapy in dermatology; it also addresses topics related to retinoid use in special circumstances, such as vulnerable populations, concomitant surgery, and aesthetic procedures. CONTENTS: The background of retinoids * Mechanism of action of vitamin A * Mechanism of action of topical retinoids * Mechanism of action of isotretinoin * Mechanism of action of acitretin * Mechanism of action of bexarotene * Mechanism of action of alitretinoin * Effects of retinoids at the cellular level (differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle regulation, and senescence) * Effects of retinoids at the systemic level * New aspects of isotretinoin teratogenicity * Mucocutaneous side effects * Ophthalmologic side effects * Musculoskeletal side effects * Neurologic side effects * Psychiatric side effects * Gastrointestinal side effects * Endocrine and metabolic side effecs * Other systemic side effects: Cardiovascular, pulmonary, otolaryngorhinologic, genitourinary, renal, and immunologic * Retinoids in acne * Retinoids in hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa * Retinoids in rosacea * Retinoids in hair disorders * Retinoids in psoriasis * Retinoids in keratinization disorders * Retinoids in antiaging therapy * Retinoids in other skin diseases * Retinoids in lymphoma * Retinoids in cutaneous chemoprophylaxis * Guide to good clinical practice for vulnerable populations (infancy, childhood, fertile period, elderly) * Retinoids and concomitant surgery * Retinoids and concomitant aesthetic procedures * Laboratory and clinical follow-up * Teratogenicity and registry programs * Management of vitamin A and retinoid side effects * Future and novel unexplored indications of retinoids Published in association with the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0429852614
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
Retinoids are valuable drugs in the dermatologic armamentarium, being employed in daily clinical practice. The text provides an in-depth update on the latest thinking on pharmacology, clinical use, side effects, and follow-up of retinoid therapy in dermatology; it also addresses topics related to retinoid use in special circumstances, such as vulnerable populations, concomitant surgery, and aesthetic procedures. CONTENTS: The background of retinoids * Mechanism of action of vitamin A * Mechanism of action of topical retinoids * Mechanism of action of isotretinoin * Mechanism of action of acitretin * Mechanism of action of bexarotene * Mechanism of action of alitretinoin * Effects of retinoids at the cellular level (differentiation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle regulation, and senescence) * Effects of retinoids at the systemic level * New aspects of isotretinoin teratogenicity * Mucocutaneous side effects * Ophthalmologic side effects * Musculoskeletal side effects * Neurologic side effects * Psychiatric side effects * Gastrointestinal side effects * Endocrine and metabolic side effecs * Other systemic side effects: Cardiovascular, pulmonary, otolaryngorhinologic, genitourinary, renal, and immunologic * Retinoids in acne * Retinoids in hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa * Retinoids in rosacea * Retinoids in hair disorders * Retinoids in psoriasis * Retinoids in keratinization disorders * Retinoids in antiaging therapy * Retinoids in other skin diseases * Retinoids in lymphoma * Retinoids in cutaneous chemoprophylaxis * Guide to good clinical practice for vulnerable populations (infancy, childhood, fertile period, elderly) * Retinoids and concomitant surgery * Retinoids and concomitant aesthetic procedures * Laboratory and clinical follow-up * Teratogenicity and registry programs * Management of vitamin A and retinoid side effects * Future and novel unexplored indications of retinoids Published in association with the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
Retinoid Therapy
Author: W.J. Cunliffe
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401163499
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
The impact of the retinoids in clinical practice has primarily been in dermatology. When Dr Werner Bollag began his basic research and screening programme in the early 1960's, the expectation was that the retinoids would have a major impact on oncology. However, the laboratory and clinical experiences of Bollag and his colleagues in Switzerland, Stuttgen and Orfanos in Germany, led to publications on both etretinates (Tigason) and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the years between 1972 and 1976 in the field of dermatology. In fact the first symposium on retinoid research held in Berlin in 1981 was almost entirely dermatological. A year later a retinoid workshop in Iowa was designed to provide a forum for dermatolog ists from the USA involved in specific protocols investigating oral retinoids. In the UK, research into the retinoids began rather later than in Continental Europe or in the USA, although Tigason was first marketed here. It was felt in late 1982 that as many dermatologists had relatively little experience with these compounds it would be appropriate to hold an International Symposium on retinoid therapy in the UK. Thus on 16-18 May 1983 in London, 37 speakers from 11 countries addressed an audience of 300, aminly UK, dermatologists. The scientific organizing committee consisted of but two persons Dr William Cunliffe of Leeds General Infirmary, representing the European Society of Dermatolo gical Research, and myself from Roche Clinical Research. The Symposium was held under the auspices of the ESDR and of Roche Products Limited.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401163499
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
The impact of the retinoids in clinical practice has primarily been in dermatology. When Dr Werner Bollag began his basic research and screening programme in the early 1960's, the expectation was that the retinoids would have a major impact on oncology. However, the laboratory and clinical experiences of Bollag and his colleagues in Switzerland, Stuttgen and Orfanos in Germany, led to publications on both etretinates (Tigason) and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the years between 1972 and 1976 in the field of dermatology. In fact the first symposium on retinoid research held in Berlin in 1981 was almost entirely dermatological. A year later a retinoid workshop in Iowa was designed to provide a forum for dermatolog ists from the USA involved in specific protocols investigating oral retinoids. In the UK, research into the retinoids began rather later than in Continental Europe or in the USA, although Tigason was first marketed here. It was felt in late 1982 that as many dermatologists had relatively little experience with these compounds it would be appropriate to hold an International Symposium on retinoid therapy in the UK. Thus on 16-18 May 1983 in London, 37 speakers from 11 countries addressed an audience of 300, aminly UK, dermatologists. The scientific organizing committee consisted of but two persons Dr William Cunliffe of Leeds General Infirmary, representing the European Society of Dermatolo gical Research, and myself from Roche Clinical Research. The Symposium was held under the auspices of the ESDR and of Roche Products Limited.
The Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Author: H. DeLuca
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461588707
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 297
Book Description
The first demonstration of the existence of a vitamin and the full recognition of this fact are often attributed to the work of McCollum, who found that a sub stance in butterfat and cod-liver oil was necessary for growth and health of ani mals fed purified diets. It became obvious that an organic substance present in microconcentrations was vital to growth and reproduction of animals. Following the coining of the word vitamine by Funk, McCollum named this fat-soluble sub stance vitamin A. We can, therefore, state that vitamin A was certainly one of the first known vitamins, yet its function and the function of the other fat-soluble vitamins had remained largely unknown until recent years. However, there has been an explosion of investigation and new information in this field, which had remained quiescent for at least two or three decades. It is now obvious that the fat-soluble vitamins function quite differently from their water-soluble counter parts. We have learned that vitamin D functions by virtue of its being converted in the kidney to a hormone that functions to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism. This new endocrine system is in the process of being elucidated in detail, and in addition, the medical use of these hormonal forms of vitamin D in the treatment of a variety of metabolic bone diseases has excited the medical com munity.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461588707
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 297
Book Description
The first demonstration of the existence of a vitamin and the full recognition of this fact are often attributed to the work of McCollum, who found that a sub stance in butterfat and cod-liver oil was necessary for growth and health of ani mals fed purified diets. It became obvious that an organic substance present in microconcentrations was vital to growth and reproduction of animals. Following the coining of the word vitamine by Funk, McCollum named this fat-soluble sub stance vitamin A. We can, therefore, state that vitamin A was certainly one of the first known vitamins, yet its function and the function of the other fat-soluble vitamins had remained largely unknown until recent years. However, there has been an explosion of investigation and new information in this field, which had remained quiescent for at least two or three decades. It is now obvious that the fat-soluble vitamins function quite differently from their water-soluble counter parts. We have learned that vitamin D functions by virtue of its being converted in the kidney to a hormone that functions to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism. This new endocrine system is in the process of being elucidated in detail, and in addition, the medical use of these hormonal forms of vitamin D in the treatment of a variety of metabolic bone diseases has excited the medical com munity.