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.

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.

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