The NPY-family of peptides encompasses several groups of neurotransmitters and hormones, which exert diverse biological and pathological actions that bear on all major vital systems. The recognition of the role of NPY in stimulation of food intake has already resulted in discovery of potent and selective NPY receptor Y-5 antagonists which are in clinical development for obesity while NPY Y1 receptors are targeted for cardiovascular indications. Research into the multiple functions of NPY and its receptors in neurological and affective disorders are also actively pursued.

This book is a unique compilation of the most recent breakthroughs in NPY/PYY neurobiology, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, written by internationally renowned experts with the objective to synthesize leading concepts and data in support for translational medicine.

Table of contents
NPY family of peptides in neurobiology, cardiovascular system and metabolism: genes, diseases and therapeutics.- An overview of neuropeptide Y: pharmacology to molecular biology and receptor localization.- Molecular ligand-receptor interaction of the NPY / PP peptide family.- Modulator role of neuropeptide Y in human vascular sympathetic neuroeffector junctions.- NPY and NPY receptors: presence, distribution and roles in the regulation of the endocardial endothelium and cardiac function.- Neuropeptide Y and sympathetic control of vascular tone in hypertension.- Neuropeptide Y and the cerebral circulation.- Neuropeptide Y and the heart: implication for myocardial infarction and heart failure.- Role of neuropeptide Y in the regulation of kidney function.- NPY and neuron-adipocyte interactions in the regulation of metabolism.- NPY and energy homeostasis: an opportunity for novel anti-obesity therapies.- Subjugation of hypothalamic NPY and cohorts with central leptin gene therapy alleviates dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity for life-time.- NPY and bone.- NPY in alcoholism and psychiatric disorders.- Plasticity of neuropeptide Y in the dentate gyrus after seizures, and its relevance to seizure-induced neurogenesis.- NPY and extreme stress: lessons learned from posttraumatic stress disorder.- NPY and chronic neurodegenerative disease.- Human NPY gene variants in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.- Future directions and perspectives for therapies based on the NPY family of peptides