This book has been written by the professors of biological chemistry department of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University). This textbook is aimed at the students of medical schools who specialize in the area of «Stomatology».
To understand the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of various dental diseases, including common ones, such as caries and periodontal disease, not only the knowledge of biochemistry of mineralized tissues, soft tissues and oral liquids is required, but also knowledge of the main metabolic processes in the human body as well as the mechanisms of their regulation. While analyzing the basic issues of fundamental biochemistry, the authors have demonstrated the interrelation of the processes in the body and the tissues and secretions of the oral cavity.
For this purpose the traditionally studied topics of the course have been updated, in order to make them more specialized. The updated content is present in different units of the book.
The sections entitled «Structure, properties and functions of proteins» and «Enzymes» present the initial idea about the collagen - protein of intercellular matrix, as well as information about certain enzymes and proteins of mixed saliva, or those involved in the metabolism of the connective tissues - alkaline and acid phosphatase, carbonic anhydrase, collagenase, etc. The sections also address the effect of the acetylcho-
line substitutes on the intensity of saliva secretion and the development of xerostomia after their application.
Section «Biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins» describes the particular aspects of posttranslational modifications of mineralized tissuesproteins, action of antibacterial medicines on the oral microflora. The section also discusses the causes of hereditary disorders of mineralized tissues.