Glycoconjugates of the Pancreas

This book presents the results of years of investigation into glycoconjugates in the digestive systems, particularly in the pancreas. The extensive and detailed information connects basic science to practical clinical science and establishes a foundation for future advancements in this uncharted field of research.  The work is organized into three parts, by theme, delineating a basic understanding of the etiology and the pathophysiology of pancreatic diseases. It is particularly valuable that these areas are described along with many recent discoveries, including new substances in the field of glycoconjugates in the digestive organs. The first part describes a method of purification of glycoconjugates in pancreatic juice and the subsequent analysis of their structure. The second part describes a discovery that formed the basis of our glycotechnology. This includes a novel method for synthesizing tailor-made hyaluronan with the transglycosylation reaction of hyaluronidase, and an innovative method for artificial synthesis of neoproteoglycan with endo-ß-xylosidase. The third part describes the application of 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU), which we have discovered to be an effective hyaluronic acid synthesis inhibitor for pancreatic cancer treatment. We have observed the significant anti-tumoral activity and substantial effect on metastasis inhibition of 4-MU, which has the potential to help treat pancreatic cancer. This book will be of interest to various researchers. In particular, it will broaden the scope for medical researchers specializing in digestive organs and associated diseases. We sincerely hope that one day this work will open the door to overcoming pancreatic cancer.