Advances in Lipid Research, Volume 23 provides information pertinent to mammalian as well as plant metabolism. This book presents important data on apoproteins, which may offer a foothold for further probes of the genetics underlying increased susceptibility to ischemic heart disease.Organized into seven chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the molecular biology of human apolipoproteins B and E. This text then explains the lipid metabolism of dermatophytes and describes their lipid composition and how it may be modulated. Other chapters consider the function, distribution, and biosynthesis of the sterols of fungi and examine the influences of fungal sterols on membrane fluidity. This book discusses as well the biosynthesis and degradation of platelet-activating factor (PAF) as well as its physiological function. The final chapter deals with one specific area of PAF activity, namely, renal processes.This book is a valuable resource for biologist, biochemists, chemists, and clinicians.

PrefaceMolecular Biology of Human Apolipoproteins B and E and Associated Diseases of Lipoprotein Metabolism I. General Introduction II. Apolipoprotein B III. Apolipoprotein E IV. Conclusions ReferencesLipids of Dermatophytes I. Introduction II. Lipid Composition III. Modulation of Lipid Composition IV. Biosynthesis and Turnover of Lipids V. Biosynthetic Enzymes of Phospholipids VI. Catabolic Enzymes VII. Role of Membrane Lipids VIII. Lipids and Antifungal Drugs IX. Allergenicity of Fungal Lipids X. Conclusion ReferencesStructure and Function of Sterols in Fungi I. Introduction II. Structure and General Occurrence III. Distribution among Fungal Taxa IV. Production, Biosynthesis, and Inhibition V. Sterol Functions VI. Overview ReferencesDietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoid Formation in Humans I. Introduction II. Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids III. Eicosanoid Formation in Humans IV. Manipulation of the Eicosanoid System V. Dietary n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoid Formation VI. Dietary n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoid Formation VII. Unresolved Questions and Issues ReferencesAnalysis of Eicosanoid Formation in Humans by Mass Spectrometry I. Introduction II. Problems of Analysis III. Strategies for Analysis IV. Locations for Analysis in Humans V. Extraction and Separation Methods VI. Analysis by Mass Spectrometry ReferencesThe Synthesis, Catabolism, and Pathophysiological Role of Platelet-Activating Factor I. Introduction II. Synthesis of PAF III. PAF Catabolism IV. Mechanism of PAF-Induced Cell Activation V. PAF Antagonists VI. Pathophysiological Role of PAF VII. Concluding Remarks ReferencesInvolvement of Platelet-Activating Factor in Renal Processes I. Introduction II. Generation of PAF III. Relationship Between PAF and Other Inflammatory Mediators IV. Physiological Effects of PAF V. Role of PAF in Renal Diseases VI. Conclusion ReferencesIndexContents of Previous Volumes