Homocysteine in Health and Disease

Description

High levels of homocysteine have been identified as a very important risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine-related abnormalities are also thought to contribute to birth defects and dementia, and there are many common acquired diseases, drugs and genetic disorders which adversely affect the metabolism of homocysteine. In this 2001 book a multidisciplinary team of experts in the field give a clear analysis of the biochemistry, genetics, epidemiology, clinical settings, causes, impact and treatment of homocysteine disorders. This is an unusually comprehensive account of the broad range of medical, nutritional and methodological implications of homocysteine in health and disease.

Review of the hardback: 'The field of homocysteine research has been crying out for a textbook like this, as it pulls together the disparate research areas of nutrition, biochemistry, cardiovascular medicine and inherited metabolic disease.' Doctors.net Review of the hardback: 'The editors have structured the book logically, and ensured that this enormous subject is covered comprehensively, yet concisely, with minimum overlap, and helpful cross-referencing. They have successfully bridged the interface between the relevant basic and applied sciences and produced a beautifully balanced overview of the role of homocysteine in health and disease. There is no publication like it in this speciality, where it is likely to become the standard reference.' Graeme J. Hankey, The Lancet Review of the hardback: 'This book provides an excellent up-to-date review of scientific and clinical grounding of homocysteine metabolism in health and disease, illustrated attractively with useful diagrams and figures. It is well-indexed, with an extensive bibliography. This book will be of interest and a good reference text for both basic scientists and clinicians.' Brain 2002 Review of the hardback: 'This book is impressive in its scope and comes at a time when many have heard of homocysteine but few really understand the molecule. ... for the increasing number of people, from epidemiologists to vascular biologists and embryologists, who are looking at homocysteine as part of their research this could provide an invaluable handbook. Why do I think this would be useful? The answer is simple - the large number of people who have walked into my office whilst this book has been lying on my desk and said 'can I take a look at that when you have finished?' Patrick Vallance, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Review of the hardback: 'This is an extremely comprehensive book encompassing a variety of aspects of this fascinating amino-acid. It has a logical structure; an historical overview precedes sections detailing the biochemistry, physiology and pathology of homocysteine. It aims to provide information for clinicians and scientists over a wide-range of disciplines, and it achieves this admirably ... there is no better starting point for anyone wishing to learn more about homocysteine and B vitamin metabolism; clinicians with a particular interest in nutrition and cognition will find that this book provides ample 'food for thought'.' Andrew McCaddon, International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Review of the hardback: 'This is an attractive book. A pleasure to pick up and read and thorough in its review of the subject area. It is timely and useful ... This reviewer appreciated the opportunity of reading it.' Human Genetics Review of the hardback: 'The content of this volume is excellent ... providing an authoritative up to date review that remains remarkably readable ... this volume is highly recommended ... and is an essential addition to any medical library.' Bevan Hokin, Australian Journal of Medical Science Review of the hardback: ' ... a fascinating story, the authors are eminent in their fields and the coverage is authorititive and comprehensive. Here is an excellent reference book for anyone interested in the field. Given the important clinical, scientific, and policy issues raised by the folic acid association ... geriatricians really need to know about homocysteine.' John Grimley Evans, Age and Aging