Interview with
Dr. Antonio M. Gotto
Co-Author of the book “The Cholesterol Story”
Published on 2021-06-17
Publishing House: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
The Interview
1. First of all, we wish to thank you for taking your time for this interview. What encouraged you to author this revealing publication „The Cholesterol Story“ ?
Having spent 55 years of my academic career in basic research, clinical research and professional education in the field of Lipidology, I was interested when approached by Dr. Olsson about collaborating on a book about the history of cholesterol. He and I witnessed and participated in the evolving story relating cholesterol to clinical applications. My background was a Doctorate in Biochemistry under Hans Kornberg and Hans Krebs as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, followed by an MD from Vanderbilt and medical residency at MGH. In the US Public Health Service, I was assigned to the laboratory of Donald Fredricson at the National Heart Institute. I was able to witness the explosion of Clinical Lipidology follow the publications of the Fredricson typing system for classifying lipid disorders. I was given the opportunity to pursue a field where one could treat a group of patients and investigate their disorders at both a basic science and clinical level.
2. Tell us more about you. Where are you from and why you decided to publish a book?
I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and from an early age liked to ready about history, historical novels and spy stories. One of my favorite authors is Daniel Silva, whose combines espionage with art. I also enjoy books about the history of my medicine. My most recent book was on the history of Cornell's [now Weill Cornell] medical college, CO -authored with Dr. Jennifer Moon. Over a period of several years, I co-authored a series called The Ling Heart with Dr. Michael DeBakey when we were colleagues at Baylor and Methodist Hospital in Houston. One in the series reached the best seller list. I also published with my colleagues at Methodist The Chez Eddy Cook Book, which received a James Beard Award.
3. What was your experience with our team like?
It has been a pleasure working with you and your team.
4. Are you planning another book publication? And if so, on which topic and can you imagine cooperating with us in the future again?
I have not decided on further books. I have been encouraged to write one about my experiences and medical career.
The Cholesterol Story
The Cholesterol Story is a success story because it has helped diminish suffering and death for millions of people worldwide. Vast experimental studies have established the importance of cholesterol in causing the arterial disease atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease of the vessel wall that can lead to clinical symptoms like acute myocardial infarction or stroke. The ability to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood has revolutionized the prevention andtreatment of cardiovascular disease. The importance of cholesterol in the development of arterial atherosclerosis has long been called the cholesterol hypothesis. With the recent expansion of knowledge about the role of cholesterol in this process, the alternative term cholesterol principle has been proposed, or, more specifically, the LDL principleor apolipoprotein B principle.This book should appeal to investigators and clinicians in the field of lipidology and lipid metabolism including physicians and cardiologists, researchers, fellows, medical students, dieticians and exercise physiologists, among others who are interested in preventive cardiology.
