Peroxisomal disorders constitute a major research front in clinical genetics, paediatrics and cell biology. Since 1983, the metabolic defect in some 20 different peroxisomal disorders has been described. The best known conditions include Zellweger syndrome, rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and, in the most recent edition of The Metabolic and Molecular Basis Inherited Disease, edited by Scriver and colleagues, more than 100 pages are now devoted to the subject. Progress in our understanding of these conditions, and their diagnosis, results from the application of a variety of laboratory investigations. These include microscopic studies, analysis of metabolites (very long-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and plasmalogens), enzyme studies (peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathway and dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase), immunodetection of peroxisomal (membrane) proteins and molecular analysis of mutant DNA. In order to encourage a greater awareness in this field and the diagnostic protocols required, an international course was organised in Gent, Belgium, in May 1994, on the clinical and biochemical diagnosis of peroxisomal disorders. A number of international experts in the field who provided intensive hands-on experience over 3.5 days, have now collected their course work and reviews together in this Handbook. The volume is introduced by Sidney Goldfischer, who in 1973 was the first to recognise the absence of peroxisomes in Zellweger syndrome, but whose observations were not fully appreciated for a further decade. This handbook provides the most comprehensive and detailed account of laboratory methods for the diagnosis of peroxisomal disorders. The methods are clearly presented and well illustrated, and should allow laboratories to introduce these methods into their repertoire. Audience: Paediatricians, neurologists, clinical biochemists, pathologists, genetic counsellors, obstetricians, and GPs interested in the recognition, diagnosis and prenatal prevention of peroxisomal disorders.

This book provides an overview of the biology and biochemistry of peroxisomes, and discusses the contribution of these organelles to peroxisomal and neurodegenerative diseases. It begins with a detailed introduction to the biogenesis and metabolic functions of peroxisomes, and highlights their role in oxidative stress and in lipid metabolism such as fatty acid oxidation. The following chapters focus on the molecular and clinical aspects of peroxisomal disorders caused by defects in peroxisomal function. In particular, the biological aspects of peroxisomal biogenesis disorders such as Zellweger syndrome and Heimler syndrome are discussed. This includes their underlying genetic causes as well as the biochemical and metabolic defects associated with the disorders. In addition, several chapters cover recent observations suggesting an association between peroxisomal dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and other degenerative cerebellar pathologies. The final section of the book discusses important cell and animal models for studying the role of peroxisomes in human diseases and presents current therapeutic strategies for their treatment. This book deals with a highly topical subject that is at the heart of current research, and represents a valuable contribution for all students and researchers who want to understand the complex biology of peroxisomes and their role in human diseases.

Presents clinical, biochemical, and genetic information concerning those metabolic anomalies grouped under inborn errors of metabolism.

This fully updated volume assembles a comprehensive collection of methods, techniques, and strategies to investigate the molecular and cellular biology of peroxisomes in different organisms. Peroxisome research is on the rise, as novel functions and proteins of this dynamic organelle are still being discovered through studies in model systems including humans, mice, flies, plants, fungi, and yeast, and this progress is reflected in the chapters included in this collection. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Peroxisomes: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers working on peroxisome- and organelle-based research questions.

The 2nd Edition of Metabolic Diseases provides readers with a completely updated description of the Foundations of Clinical Management, Genetics, and Pathology. A distinguished group of 31 expert authors has contributed 25 chapters as a tribute to Enid Gilbert-Barness and the late Lewis Barness--- both pioneers in this topic. Enid’s unique perspectives on the pathology of genetic disorders and Lew’s unsurpassed knowledge of metabolism integrated with nutrition have inspired the contributors to write interdisciplinary descriptions of generally rare, and always challenging, hereditary metabolic disorders. Discussions of these interesting genetic disorders are organized in the perspective of molecular abnormalities leading to morphologic disturbances with distinct pathology and clinical manifestations. The book emphasizes recent advances such as development of improved diagnostic methods and discovery of new, more effective therapies for many of the diseases. It includes optimal strategies for diagnosis and information on access to specialized laboratories for specific testing. The target audience is a wide variety of clinicians, including pediatricians, neonatologists, obstetricians, maternal-fetal specialists, internists, pathologists, geneticists, and laboratorians engaged in prenatal and/or neonatal screening. In addition, all scientists and health science professionals interested in metabolic diseases will find the comprehensive, integrated chapters informative on the latest discoveries. It is our hope that the 2nd Edition will open new avenues and vistas for our readers and that they will share with us the interest, excitement and passion of the research into all these challenging disorders.

Expanded and revised, this unique book provides concise descriptions of the many causes of epilepsy, for use in clinical practice.

As clinical management of inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) has improved, more patients affected by these conditions are surviving into adulthood. This trend, coupled with the widespread recognition that IMDs can present differently and for the first time during adulthood, makes the need for a working knowledge of these diseases more important than ever. Inherited Metabolic Disease in Adults offers an authoritative clinical guide to the adult manifestations of these challenging and myriad conditions. These include both the classic pediatric-onset conditions and a number of new diseases that can manifest at any age. It is the first book to give a clear and concise overview of how this group of conditions affects adult patients, a that topic will become a growing imperative for physicians across primary and specialized care.