Cholesterol

CHOLESTEROL. By David Kritchevsky. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1957. 291 pp. $9.75. The extent of scientific literature on the subject of cholesterol prompted the author of this book to bring together in one volume a review of all the various aspects of this remarkable compound. The result is an imposing summary of the chemistry, biochemistry, and physiology of cholesterol, from the cholesterol content of the brains of Egyptian mummies to the ability of cholesterol to promote the growth of the cockroach. Little available knowledge has been omitted, yet the length is reasonable and the text readable. There are seven chapters, one each on the chemistry, biosynthesis, absorption and transport, metabolism, cholesterol in disease states, blood cholesterol, and analysis of cholesterol. Each chapter begins with an excellent historical review, progressing to present status of knowledge, the whole given unity by the author's own summary of unsolved problems and at times rather discerning impressions about possible directions for future research. The chemistry is clarified by the inclusion of many structural formulae. Liberal use of tables has made possible the presentation of much quantitative material. An exhaustive list of references concludes each chapter. Unfortunately the references are given in the order in which they occur in the text, with no grouping by subject matter, thus limiting the potential usefulness of these listings. The chapters on chemistry and biosynthesis are thorough and complete. The treatment of the clinical problems and applications is somewhat superficial, but the inclusion of extensive references to the literature compensates for this deficit. A summary of the current status of cholesterol lowering agents is included. Additional information in the appendices includes the physical constants of cholesterol, cholesterol content of various foods and tissues, and serum cholesterol concentrations of many species. To everyone interested in cholesterol this book will be of great value as a reference to all aspects of the subject. The author has done a mammoth task of condensing knowledge without omission of important information.