Author: Robert H. Glew

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 406

ISBN-13: 9780195099294

This text uses a case-study approach to present the fundamentals of biochemistry and molecular biology in the context of human disease to students who will be involved in patient care. The 32 cases, carefully selected to cover common diseases and important principles, are supplemented by clinical descriptions of each disease and a comprehensive discussion of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and associated enzymatic and chemical alterations in tissues and body fluids. The Second Edition differs from its predecessor in several respects. It features seven new chapters on diseases not covered before. The Biochemical Perspectives section of each chapter has been expanded to include pertinent information on the molecular biology of each disease. More chapters are written by authors from outside the U.S., and Dr. Glew has a new co-editor. The diseases covered include those caused by viruses (hepatitis B, HIV), microorganisms (diphtheria), environmental toxins (e.g. lead), cardiovascular abnormalities (myocardial infarction), genetic mutations (hereditary spherocytosis, Gaucher disease, sickle-cell anemia, chronic granulomatous disease), endocrine system disorders (hypertension, Cushing's syndrome), and nutritional deficiencies (rickets). Chapters follow a consistent format. A detailed case report describes the history, pertinent clinical laboratory data, histological findings, and physical characteristics. It is followed by a diagnosis section, which covers biochemical structures and the formulae of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, and describes the definitive method for confirming diagnosis. A discussion of molecular perspectives provides a detailed account of the normal processes and reactions pertaining to the case, along with the mechanism of the disease. The therapy is summarized and the likely prognosis is outlined. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions and a brief bibliography listing informative reviews and key publications. This text is intended for medical schools where biochemistry is taught though the study of actual clinical cases, and will be useful to medical students, graduate students in the biomedical sciences, and practicing physians taking refresher courses.