A neuroprotective role of the human uncoupling protein 2 (hUCP2) in a Drosophila Parkinson's disease model.

Parkinson's disease (PD), caused by selective loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, is the most common movement disorder. While its etiology remains unknown, mitochondrial dysfunction is recognized as one of the major cellular defects contributing to PD pathogenesis. Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) has been implicated in neuroprotection in several neuronal injury models.

Soy proteins and isoflavones affect bone mineral density in older women: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Soy foods contain several components (isoflavones and amino acids) that potentially affect bone. Few long-term, large clinical trials of soy as a means of improving bone mineral density (BMD) in late postmenopausal women have been conducted.

Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the long-term effect of dietary soy protein and/or soy isoflavone consumption on skeletal health in late postmenopausal women.

Comparative performance evaluation of the HIV-1 LiPA protease and reverse transcriptase resistance assay on clinical isolates.

Background: Assays that provide information regarding HIV-1 resistance to antiretroviral drugs are widely used to help manage antiretroviral treatment. The most commonly used HIV genotypic resistance assays are based on DNA sequencing (TRUGENE, ViroSeq, and home-brew) or reverse hybridization (LiPA).

Objectives: This study compares the results from clinical specimens using two assay methods: the LiPA HIV-1 protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) resistance assay and DNA sequencing.

Identification of urine specimen donors by the PM+DQA1 amplification and typing kit.

We evaluated the ability to genotype DNA extracted from urine samples, which were previously submitted for toxicological analysis, by either the AmpliType HLA DQ alpha or the combined PM+DQA1 amplification and typing systems. Initial experiments were conducted on fresh urine, which was either processed fresh or frozen for one week at -20 degrees C, from male and female volunteers. Although male urine is noted for containing minimal numbers of nucleated cells when compared with female urine, we were able to type these samples without difficulty.

The underlying molecular mechanism of apolipoprotein E polymorphism: relationships to lipid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Apolipoprotein E (apo E) polymorphism has important clinical correlates, including disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. This article provides a detailed methodology for apo E genotyping and discusses the link between apo E genotype and type III hyperlipoproteinemia, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although apo E genotype appears to provide significant information concerning the genetic component of CHD and AD risk, more research is needed before genotyping can be recommended as a routine screening tool.