Analyses of hazardous substances in biological materials. Volume 9 Special issues: Marker of susceptibility

This is an unusual edition in a series of books devoted to methods of estimation of chemicals in workplace atmospheres. Protocols for genotyping CYP P450 1A1, 1B1, 2E1, N-acetyltransferase 2, glutathione S-transferase T1, M1 and P1, sulphotransferase 1A1 and 1A2, and phenotyping of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, N-acetyltransferase 2, and glutathione S-transferase T1 are presented. Each protocol is clearly set out with a discussion of underlying principles, quality control and sources of error. A short section on real time PCR genotyping for a number of polymorphisms is also included. The authors quite sensibly took the decision to repeat essential basics in each protocol (for example, preparation of gels for chromatography) so that each protocol can be read independently. It is inevitable that the methods proposed will become dated but that should not detract from the current value of this edition to bench scientists. A number of the preliminary chapters will be of value to students. Of these I found the section on polymerase chain reaction and background information on polymorphisms which preceded each protocol easy to follow and instructive. The editors do note that the book may contain minor typographical errors. Readers should note the lack of reference numbers in the bibliography for N-acetyltransferase 2 genotyping (although these are listed in numerical order) and the incorrect concentration for the Tris buffer concentrate in the CYP 1A1 gentoyping protocol (p. 74). The book is not intended to be a text on molecular epidemiology and the short chapter on evaluation of susceptibility is at most a very basic introduction. Overall, well worth purchasing by academic libraries for use by researchers and students.