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The current volume includes chapters on peroxisomal disorders, genetic aspects of cancer, Gaucher disease, and other topics.

The past two decades have seen steady progress in our understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The role of low density lipoprotein (LOL) increase and of LOL receptor deficiency or malfunctions in familial hypercholesterolemia has been largely enlightened by the works of Brown and Goldstein. These authors postulated also that modification of LOL to a form recognized by the scavenger or acetyl-LOL receptor may be required for lipid loading of macrophage-derived foam cells in the lesions. A growing body of evidence suggests that oxidative modification of LOL could enhance its atherogenicity by its implication as a factor in the generation of foam cells. Thus, if the role of LOL in the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia was well established a great deal of information appears currently on new approaches such as the mechanisms leading to the accumulation of foam cells, the impact of LOL structural alterations, notably oxidation and the role of gene mutations of apolipoprotein Band/or LOL receptor The opening topic is devoted to these new avenues outlined in the field of hypercholesterolemia. The first part concerns the genetic aspects of atherosclerosis: mainly the genetics of apo 1 ipoprote ins, their transcriptional regulation, the amino acid mutations of the apo B gene and of the LOL receptor gene, the structural domains and the acylation sites of apoprotein B.

Current interest in lipoprotein deficiency states stems from the growing realization of their importance in the etiology of premature coronary heart disease. While hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease risk are strongly correlated in their etiologic relationship, it is becoming equally clear that deficiencies in HDL, whether congenital or acquired, also enhance the risk for the future development of coronary atherosclerosis. This has led to renewed attention to the lipid hypothesis and realization of the fact that each lipoprotein class and apoprotein species has specific functions in the transport and cellular uptake of various lipids. It is a truism that a biochemical correlate of disease once identified is subsequently recognized with increasing frequency in clinical medicine. The story of HDL was no exception. Indeed hypoalphalipoproteinemia appears to be a disease of high prevalence approaching and perhaps even exceeding that of familial hypercholesterolemia. Its clinical signifi­ cance escaped our notice for many years largely due to a heavy emphasis on hypercholesterolemia and to difficulties in measuring HDL reliably.

This innovative book focuses on HDL and its relationships to triglyceride-rich particles. As new therapies for HDL raising become available, a comprehensive understanding the role of HDL in Coronary Heart Disease is of great importance. This book is an excellent resource for educating physicians and scientists about dyslipidemia and HDL metabolism, including many exogenous substances which interact with and influence HDL. Readers will benefit from the unique visual exposition and the insights of international experts.