Medical Biochemistry

Metabolism includes various pathways of chemical reactions; understanding these pathways leads to an improved knowledge of the causes, preventions, and cures for human diseases. Medical Biochemistry: Human Metabolism in Health and Disease provides a concise yet thorough explanation of human metabolism and its role in health and diseases. Focusing on the physiological context of human metabolism without extensive consideration of the mechanistic principles of underlying enzymology, the books serves as both a primary text and resource for students and professional in medical, dental, and allied health programs.

Preface vi

Acknowledgments ix

The Authors xi

1 Introduction to Metabolism 1

2 Enzymes 11

3 Digestion and Absorption 38

4 Glycolysis 58

5 Pyruvate Dehydrogenase and the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle 77

6 Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation 89

7 The Pentose Phosphate Pathway 102

8 Glycogen 112

9 Gluconeogenesis 126

10 Fatty Acid Oxidation and Ketones 141

11 Fatty Acid Synthesis 162

12 Triacylglycerol Transport and Metabolism 177

13 Ethanol 191

14 Phospholipids and Sphingolipids 199

15 Eicosanoids 218

16 Glycolipids and Glycoproteins 231

17 Cholesterol Synthesis and Transport 246

18 Steroids and Bile Acids 271

19 Nitrogen Homeostasis 290

20 Amino Acids 305

21 Sulfur Amino Acid Metabolism 325

22 Folate and Vitamin B₁₂ in One-carbon Metabolism 335

23 Purines and Pyrimidines 351

24 Heme and Iron 372

25 Integration of Metabolism 393

Index 411

"All the necessary topics are accurately covered, with ample formulae and metabolic pathways, and reasonable clinical references." (ACP News, June 2009) Miriam D. Rosenthal, PhD, is Professor of Biochemistry and Course Director for Medical Biochemistry at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Dr. Rosenthal has extensive experience teaching and developing curricula for both medical and allied health students.

Robert H. Glew, PhD, is Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of New Mexico Medical School. Dr. Glew has taught medical biochemistry at three medical schools in the United States and a medical school in West Africa.

Helps Readers Understand The Link Between Metabolic Pathways And Human Health And Disease

Medical Biochemistry enables readers to master the essentials of human metabolism by explaining how metabolic pathways and reactions are connected to human health and disease. Rather than cover all the reactions that human cells and tissues are capable of executing, this text better enables readers to learn core concepts by emphasizing select examples that illustrate the physiologic and pathophysiologic significance of the major metabolic pathways. Designed for medical, dental, and allied health students and professionals, the text emphasizes clinically relevant information, helping readers understand the interrelationships between metabolic pathways and the links between metabolism and the causes, preventions, and cures for human diseases.

A separate chapter is dedicated to each of the key metabolic pathways that constitute human metabolism. Each chapter features a six-part structure that facilitates a clear understanding of the metabolic processes:

• Major function(s) of the pathway

• Tissues in which the pathway is active

• Physiological conditions under which the pathway is most active

• Reactions that comprise the pathway

• Regulation of the pathway

• Examples of human diseases related to the pathway

Throughout the text, simple figures help readers understand how metabolic pathways and reactions work.

This text's concise, easy-to-follow approach helps readers understand and appreciate the functions, constituent reactions, and regulatory aspects of the core pathways that constitute human metabolism and are responsible for maintaining homeostasis and well-being in humans.