That a relation exists between lipids/lipoproteins and coronary artery disease is no longer an arguable point. However, the complexities associated with this relationship, and the number of factors that can impact and alter circumstances and clinical status, are many and diverse. Consequently, this relationship continues to receive a great deal of focus from researchers. Lipid Metabolism and Health, in presenting the latest statement from those positioned on the cutting edge in this arena, provides an overview and historical perspective of the evolution of serum lipids and lipoproteins. It traces their development from a mere curiosity to their acceptance as an established and major coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factor, and, ultimately, to their becoming the subject of clinical guidelines. Considerable attention is focused on the fundamentals, beginning with a chapter on basic lipidology, and progresses through such topics as lipid/lipoprotein metabolism, and the biology of atherosclerosis. Additional topics include methodologies for measuring lipoproteins, clinical strategies used to manage unhealthy lipid levels, and discussion of important influential factors such as obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, diet/nutrition, exercise, cigarette smoking and environmental tobacco smoke, and age, as well as gender, race, and other heredity factors. Qualified and recognized experts in their specific fields of study were recruited by the editors to contribute chapters. They include top researchers in, nutrition, pharmacology, exercise science, and several areas of clinical medicine including cardiology, kinesiology, and immunology. Lipid Metabolism and Health provides a useful scientific and educational tool for researchers, clinicians, academicians, and students seeking a timely and bona fide source of information on the relationship between lipids and health.

Robert J. Moffatt, Bryant Stamford