Biotechnology in Healthcare: An Introduction to Biopharmaceutical

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Summer 1999 by Eley, John G

GAVIN BROOKS, EDITOR. Biotechnology in Healthcare: An Introduction to Biopharmaceuticals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1998. xvii 228 pp., 22 figs, 9 tbls., $62.00.

This is an excellent textbook on the general and specialized techniques including applications of molecular biology. Although an "introduction," the book requires a prior fundamental knowledge of cell biology. It is concerned more with the potential applications of molecular biology rather than taking a basic text-book approach, by concentrating on the mechanics of the cell. Diagrams, although not abundant, are well drawn giving effective explanations of the text and a comprehensive list of references accompanies each chapter.

DNA and RNA are explained in easy to follow terms leading to the hypothetical structure of genes and regulation of gene expression. Detection of specific DNA sequence are covered by Southern Blotting techniques and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Analysis of RNA by Northern Blotting and reverse transcription-PCR leading to the analysis of proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and immunoblotting are described along with transcription and translation including purifying specific sequences of proteins.

Chapter 2 deals with molecular genetic mapping of disease genes and the molecular genetic technologies that underpin current efforts to identify susceptibility genes. There follows some basic Mendelian concepts, leading to the complexity of mapping the human genome. Cytogenic analysis and genetic linkage maps are explained leading to the genetic contribution to complex disease states and the mapping of complex disease susceptibility genes.

Gene cloning is discussed in chapter three along with how plasmids are used. Purification and analysis of plasmid DNA leads the reader to recombination DNA technology and the use of gene cloning. The treatment of genetic disorders, including cancer is discussed and examples of vaccines for infectious diseases, recombinant antibodies and antibody targeted cancer therapy are given. The wider implication of gene cloning, including moral issues complete the chapter.

DNA fingerprinting, underlying the revolution in medical genetics, is a revealing and informative explanation of forensic and diagnostic applications. The clinical use of the PCR and its general applications are treated in depth including its use in both clinical and research diagnosis.

Chapter 6 deals with gene therapy using as examples simple monogenic disorders through more complex monogenic and multifactorial diseases. Genetically modified cells as cancer vaccines and different gene delivery techniques are presented as an extension of rational drug design. The potential of antisense oligonucleotides as drugs is described with regard to the success of the approach, the problems, the clinical trials and how the science of antisense technology is being developed.

There is a comprehensive section on the potential use of transgenic animals in health and disease including methods for the introduction of foreign genes into animals, the use of transgenic animals in medicine, especially the potential use of genetically modified animal organs in human surgery and the accompanying ethical considerations.

The last two chapters cover the use of peptides in the treatment of neurological disease and monoclonal antibodies as therapeutic agents. The former has a good introductory opening on proteins, peptides and amino acids followed by explanations of the more complex processes of the immune responses to peptides and the use of peptides in the therapy of neurological diseases including information collected from clinical trials. The latter discusses such subjects as interferons, lymphomas, tumor necrosis factor, the interleukins, and hemopoietic growth factors.

This reviewer feels this introduction to biopharmaceuticals and its emphasis on the importance of molecular biology will be welcomed as a specialized textbook and an addition to the pharmacy library. He further believes that all health care workers would find this volume informative as would science undergraduates and postgraduates.

John G. Eley Samford University