Organelle Diseases: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Management

Abstract

Edited by Derek A. Applegarth, James E. Dimmick, and Judith G. Hall, 454 pp, with illus, London, United Kingdom, Chapman & Hall Medical, 1997.Although this 21-chapter book is an excellent review, it at first look appears to be mistitled, as it only deals with the more common lysosome-, peroxisome-, and mitochondrion-based diseases. However, at closer examination the other organelles are certainly mentioned, as they are implicated in lysosomal, peroxisomal, or mitochondrial diseases.Part 1 consists of 5 chapters and deals with lysosomal disorders. This is an excellent section; even though each chapter had different authors, the chapters build a comprehensive etiology and diagnosis of lysosomal disorders. The first chapter by Hopwood and Brooks is particularly instructive, as it brings the reader up to date as to the origin of lysosomes from the golgi, as well as to the relationship between endosomes and lysosomes.Part 2 contains 5 chapters as well and does an excellent job in describing peroxisomal disorders. The 5 authors have done a commendable job at developing the importance of peroxisomes and describing how disorders of this oganelle can affect each organ somewhat differently. Particularly noteworthy in this regard is chapter 10 by Dimmick.Part 3 encompasses 7 chapters on mitochondrial disorders. This is also a very thorough section, and may be the best in the book, as it describes all aspects of mitochondrial function(s) in health as well as diseases. All other chapters in this section are very complete, well documented, and referenced.Chapter 18, written by Lorne A. Clarke, documents the status of therapy for organelle disorders in 1996. Although this is a good review, it is almost 4 years out-of-date because of the new advances in some aspects of gene therapy.In summary, this is a very well written and thorough review of the status of organelle diseases in 1996. Applegarth's introduction for each of the 3 sections is very cohesive and allows a 21-chapter book by 21 separate contributors to flow in a very orderly fashion. This book should be considered an excellent reference for all internists and general pathologists.