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Blood lipids and lipoproteins; quantitation, composition and metabolism
J Chron Dis 1973, Vol. 26, pp. 383-386. Pergamon Press. Printed in Great Britain
BOOK REVIEWS BLOOD LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS; QUANTITATION, COMPOSITION AND METABOLISM. Edited by GARY J. NELSON.New York: Wiley, 1972. 980 pp. Indexed. $39.95. THE AGE
of the lipoproteins of plasma and cell membranes has arrived. This is attested to by the proliferation of review articles and of books in these areas of research. The volume edited by Nelson is a jumbo-sized, multi-authored volume, consisting of 16 chapters, each of which is a review article. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are well-known, and this book conforms to the mode. The book is divided into 3 sections: I. Analytical Methods. II. Formed Elements of Blood, and III. Soluble Lipoproteins. Each section contains from 4 to 6 chapters. The methods section is a very useful compendium of extraction, separation, purification and analytical procedures. The excellent detailed description of the lipoprotein methodology pioneered and developed into a fine art at the Donner laboratory is particularly welcome. There are also chapters on infrared spectroscopy of lipids and on unusual analytic procedures for lipoproteins. In the next section, methods are provided for the isolation of the formed elements of blood and of blood cell lipids; the progress of research on the metabolism of blood cell lipids is reviewed. In an excellent chapter, the status of cell membrane proteins is described. The final section includes useful chapters on the absorption of fats, the synthesis and metabolism of lipoproteins, the apolipoproteins, and on lecithincholesterol acyl transferase-an enzyme essential for the production of cholesterol ester in plasma and for the normal metabolism of lipoproteins. There are 2 large chapters on lipids and lipoproteins in normal and diseased states. Much information has been gathered into these 2 chapters, but there is too much overlap. The data would have yielded more information had the 2 chapters been combined, and the lipid and lipoprotein data integrated in light of the knowledge of lipoprotein metabolism available today. In summary, the book contains ‘something for everybody,’ perhaps that is one of its weaknesses. However, there is enough authoritative information in it to make it a ‘must’ for any bio-medical library which seeks to be comprehensive and it is certainly a ‘must for those engaged in the fields of lipids, lipoproteins and membranes. GUSTAV SCHONFELD
ASTHMA AND HAY FEVER. OSCAR SWINEFORD,-JR. Thomas, 1971. 461 pp. Indexed. Price not available.
Springfield: Charles C.
THIS book represents the compilation of the clinical experience obtained in years of dealing with the asthmatic and rhinitis patient. The material covered includes a comprehensive survey of the treatment of these diseases. Case studies are cited in order to illustrate certain teaching points. The book is well written and easy to read. The contents consist of a series of individual essays concerned with specific topics related to asthma and rhinitis. Many of the chapters covered are of special interest. The chapter concerning the taking of the allergy history and the physical examination of the asthmatic patient is especially good. The book can be criticized for its dogmatic approach to many controversial issues. The role of food allergy in the etiology of asthma and the suggested therapy of nasal polyposis are handled in rigid, axiomatic fashion, without mention of conflicting opinions. Also, many of the immunologic principles are discussed without reference to recent experimental data. For that reason many of the concepts discussed are dated and out of step with present immunologic theory. These faults probably are a result of the fact that the book represents only one man’s experience. Although this experience is vast, it is almost an impossible task for one man to do justice to so complex a topic. Nonetheless the book does offer many useful guidelines for the physician involved in the care of asthmatics. Its greatest merit is that it offers a constant reminder that a sound and careful history and physical examination are invaluable in the care of the asthmatic. PHIL LIEBERMAN 383
BOOK REVIEWS BLOOD LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS; QUANTITATION, COMPOSITION AND METABOLISM. Edited by GARY J. NELSON.New York: Wiley, 1972. 980 pp. Indexed. $39.95. THE AGE
of the lipoproteins of plasma and cell membranes has arrived. This is attested to by the proliferation of review articles and of books in these areas of research. The volume edited by Nelson is a jumbo-sized, multi-authored volume, consisting of 16 chapters, each of which is a review article. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are well-known, and this book conforms to the mode. The book is divided into 3 sections: I. Analytical Methods. II. Formed Elements of Blood, and III. Soluble Lipoproteins. Each section contains from 4 to 6 chapters. The methods section is a very useful compendium of extraction, separation, purification and analytical procedures. The excellent detailed description of the lipoprotein methodology pioneered and developed into a fine art at the Donner laboratory is particularly welcome. There are also chapters on infrared spectroscopy of lipids and on unusual analytic procedures for lipoproteins. In the next section, methods are provided for the isolation of the formed elements of blood and of blood cell lipids; the progress of research on the metabolism of blood cell lipids is reviewed. In an excellent chapter, the status of cell membrane proteins is described. The final section includes useful chapters on the absorption of fats, the synthesis and metabolism of lipoproteins, the apolipoproteins, and on lecithincholesterol acyl transferase-an enzyme essential for the production of cholesterol ester in plasma and for the normal metabolism of lipoproteins. There are 2 large chapters on lipids and lipoproteins in normal and diseased states. Much information has been gathered into these 2 chapters, but there is too much overlap. The data would have yielded more information had the 2 chapters been combined, and the lipid and lipoprotein data integrated in light of the knowledge of lipoprotein metabolism available today. In summary, the book contains ‘something for everybody,’ perhaps that is one of its weaknesses. However, there is enough authoritative information in it to make it a ‘must’ for any bio-medical library which seeks to be comprehensive and it is certainly a ‘must for those engaged in the fields of lipids, lipoproteins and membranes. GUSTAV SCHONFELD
ASTHMA AND HAY FEVER. OSCAR SWINEFORD,-JR. Thomas, 1971. 461 pp. Indexed. Price not available.
Springfield: Charles C.
THIS book represents the compilation of the clinical experience obtained in years of dealing with the asthmatic and rhinitis patient. The material covered includes a comprehensive survey of the treatment of these diseases. Case studies are cited in order to illustrate certain teaching points. The book is well written and easy to read. The contents consist of a series of individual essays concerned with specific topics related to asthma and rhinitis. Many of the chapters covered are of special interest. The chapter concerning the taking of the allergy history and the physical examination of the asthmatic patient is especially good. The book can be criticized for its dogmatic approach to many controversial issues. The role of food allergy in the etiology of asthma and the suggested therapy of nasal polyposis are handled in rigid, axiomatic fashion, without mention of conflicting opinions. Also, many of the immunologic principles are discussed without reference to recent experimental data. For that reason many of the concepts discussed are dated and out of step with present immunologic theory. These faults probably are a result of the fact that the book represents only one man’s experience. Although this experience is vast, it is almost an impossible task for one man to do justice to so complex a topic. Nonetheless the book does offer many useful guidelines for the physician involved in the care of asthmatics. Its greatest merit is that it offers a constant reminder that a sound and careful history and physical examination are invaluable in the care of the asthmatic. PHIL LIEBERMAN 383