The Genetics of Complex Thyroid Diseases

Book Review The Genetics of Complex Thyroid Diseases, edited by T. Alamizu, M. Kasuga, and T. F. Davies, 222 pp, with illus, $89.95, New York, NY, Springer-Verlag (telephone: 800-777-4643), 2002, ISBN 4-431-70325-X Type and Scope of Book: A multiauthored monograph on the genetics of autoimmune thyroid diseases and familial thyroid cancer based on presentations at the International Symposium on the Genetics of Complex Thyroid Diseases held in association with the International Thyroid Congress in Kyoto, Japan, in October 2000. Contents: The text contains 14 chapters, the first 9 of which pertain to autoimmune thyroid diseases. These contributions include discussions of specific candidate genes, including HLA region and CTLA-4 genes, as well as insights into disease pathogenesis gained from whole genome screening. A chapter on the genetics of diabetes, a somewhat better understood disease, is included and places the other topics discussed in a broader context. The subsequent 5 chapters discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in thyroid cancer, including reticulocyte activation and genetic events associated with radiation-induced thyroid cancer. In addition, data on specific genes identified in various familial thyroid cancers are presented. Strengths: The text provides both general background material and specific new, and occasionally controversial, data. Thus, the volume contains cutting-edge information that is understandable not just to aficionados but to readers outside the field. The illustrations and graphs are clear and informative. Deficiencies: An expanded index, beyond the key words cited by the authors, would have been useful. Recommended Readership: I highly recommend this book to individuals with a specific interest in the genetics of autoimmune thyroid disease or thyroid cancer. However, endocrinologists and fellows who treat patients with these conditions would find it informative, as would scientists studying the genetics of other diseases. Overall Grading: ##### Rebecca S. Bahn, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn

Grading Key ★★★★★ = outstanding; ★★★★ = excellent; ★★★ = good; ★★ = fair; ★ = poor.

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