Measurement of immunoglobulin A in saliva by particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay: sample collection, limits of quantitation, precision, stability and reference range

BACKGROUND

Total immunoglobulin A in saliva (s-IgA) is normally assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We have investigated methodological issues relating to the use of particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay (PENIA) to measure s-IgA in whole unstimulated saliva and determine its reference range.

METHODS

Whole unstimulated resting saliva was collected to determine sample stability (temperature, time, effect of a protease inhibitor), limit of quantitation (LOQ), assay precision and analytical variation. The reference range for 134 healthy adults was determined.

RESULTS

Linearity was excellent (4-10.3 mg L(-1), P < 0.001; R(2) = 0.997) and without significant bias (mean of -0.7%). The lowest intra- and inter-analytical coefficients of variation were 1.8% and 7.5% and LOQ was 1.4 mg L(-1). The concentration of s-IgA is stable at room temperature for up to 6 h, at 4 degrees C for 48 h, at -4 degrees C for two weeks and at -80 degrees C for up to 1.3 yr. There is no evidence that a protease inhibitor increases the stability or that repeated freeze-thawing cycles degrade sample quality. The reference ranges for s-IgA concentration, s-IgA secretion, s-IgA:albumin and s-IgA:osmolality were 15.9-414.5 mg L(-1), 7.2-234.9 microg min(-1), 0.4-19 and 0.6-8.9, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Automated PENIA assay of s-IgA is precise and accurate. High stability of collected saliva samples and the ease and speed of the assay make this an ideal method for use in athletic and military training situations. The convenience of measuring albumin and IgA on the same analytical platform adds to the practicability of the test.

Evaluation of the Randox colorimetric serum copper and zinc assays against atomic absorption spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Analysis of copper and zinc in serum is commonly performed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS); however, these methods are often not readily available in smaller laboratories. Randox colorimetric assays for copper and zinc in serum were evaluated on the Thermo Electron Data Pro analyser against flame AAS methods.

METHODS

Copper and zinc were measured in 48 serum samples using the Randox colorimetric copper (CU2340) and zinc (ZN2341) assays on the Data Pro analyser and the results compared with those from a Varian Spectra 880 atomic absorption spectrometer. A smaller set of samples (n = 15) were also analysed colorimetrically for zinc on the Roche Cobas Mira.

RESULTS

Linear regression analyses of Bland and Altman plots from the Data Pro - AAS comparison gave the following results for copper: correlation r = 0.6669 (P < 0.01), slope = -0.2499 (P < 0.01), intercept = 3.219 (P < 0.01). For zinc, results were as follows: correlation r = 0.1976, slope = 0.1807, intercept = -1.922. For the smaller set of samples, the Cobas Mira - AAS comparison for zinc gave correlation r = 0.4379, slope = 0.5294, intercept = -4.074. The results indicated significant systematic and fixed bias between the colorimetric copper and the AAS method.

CONCLUSION

Performances in comparison to AAS methods indicated the colorimetric methods, as used, are unsuitable for the accurate determination of copper and zinc in human serum.

The Lipid lowering and Onset of Renal Disease (LORD) Trial: a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial assessing the effect of atorvastatin on the progression of kidney disease

Background

There is evidence that dyslipidemia is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Experimental studies have established that lipids are damaging to the kidney and animal intervention studies show statins attenuate this damage. Small clinical trials, meta-analyses, observational studies and post-hoc analyses of cardiovascular intervention studies all support the concept that statins can reduce kidney damage in humans. Based on this background, a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial was designed to assess the effectiveness of atorvastatin 10 mg on slowing the progression of kidney disease in a population of patients with CKD.

Method/Design

The Lipid lowering and Onset of Renal Disease (LORD) trial is a three-year, single center, multi-site, double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. The primary outcome measure is kidney function measured by eGFR calculated by both Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft and Gault equations. Secondary outcome measures include kidney function measured by 24-hour urine creatinine clearance and also 24-hour urinary protein excretion, markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and drug safety and tolerability.

Discussion

The results of this study will help determine the effectiveness and safety of atorvastatin and establish its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with CKD.

Trial Registration

ANZCTRN012605000693628

Translational research in medical informatics or from theory to practice. A call for an applied informatics journal

OBJECTIVE

To bridge the divide between health informatics 'bench research' and the application of informatics in clinical and health care settings.

METHOD

Identifying weak points in translational activities, i.e. in the process from health informatics research outcomes to IT system design and information management in clinical practice.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The creation of a new peer-reviewed journal, designed to cultivate broad readership across health care, is suggested in order to communicate on informatics topics of translational interest and on the application of informatics principals. Such an applied informatics journal may appeal to practicing physicians, healthcare administrators and CIOs as well as medical informaticians. In a globalizing world with eHealth initiatives spanning across borders, such a journal should be an international effort. Close ties to the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) and to the journal Methods of Information in Medicine are suggested.

Failure to provide clinicians useful IT systems: opportunities to leapfrog current technologies

OBJECTIVE

To discuss why clinical information systems are failing.

METHOD

Subjectively analyzing the development of clinical IT systems during the last decades.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The challenge is to anticipate what information clinicians need and then deliver it in a way that is tailored for their unique views. Clinicians need workstations that offer the highest level possible of user-determined flexibility and customization. We envision and outline a so-called point of care work station, automatically scaling to the display, hardware capacity, operating system, applications (local or distributed) the user needs and across diverse health IT systems.

The effect of an ultra-endurance running race on mucosal and humoral immune function

AIM

There are reports of the effect of endurance exercise on mucosal immune function and of the effect of short duration exercise on humoral immune function. However, little is known of the effect of endurance exercise on humoral immune function and the related risk of infection. This study examined the effects of an ultra-endurance running race on salivary immunoglobulin-A (s-IgA), serum IgA, leukocyte subset concentrations and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).

METHODS

Thirteen male and 4 female competitors provided saliva samples and blood before and at several times after the running race. Self-reported symptoms of URTI were also recorded for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the race.

RESULTS

Salivary IgA secretion rate (P=0.005) and ratio to osmolality (P=0.006) were lower immediately postrace and decreased further for at least 2 more h. s-IgA secretion rate had not returned to normal the next morning (P=0.009). Serum IgA concentration was lower post- than prerace (P=0.003) and was even lower the next morning (P<0.001). Leukocyte concentration was elevated postrace (P<0.001), mainly because of an increase in neutrophils (P<0.001) and both remained high the morning after the race (P<0.001). Lymphocyte concentration decreased postrace (P<0.001) and was still depressed the next morning (P=0.032). The incidence of symptoms of URTI was the same in the two 2-week periods before and after the race.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the hypotheses that an ultra-endurance run may adversely affect mucosal immunity and cause significant changes in the concentration of leukocyte subsets.

Effects of a Controlled Diet Supplemented with Chickpeas on Serum Lipids, Glucose Tolerance, Satiety and Bowel Function

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of a diet supplemented with chickpeas to a wheat-based diet of similar fibre content on serum lipids, glucose tolerance, satiety and bowel function. A third, lower-fibre wheat diet provided further information on dietary fibre quantity and bowel function and satiety.

METHOD

Twenty-seven free-living adults followed two randomized, crossover dietary interventions each of five weeks duration. The chickpea diet included canned drained chickpeas, bread and shortbread biscuits containing 30% chickpea flour. The wheat diet included high-fibre wheat breakfast cereals and wholemeal bread. The diets were isoenergetic to the participants' usual diet, matched for macronutrient content and controlled for dietary fibre. Following on from the second randomised intervention, a sub-group of 18 participants underwent a third, isoenergetic lower-fibre wheat diet that included low-fibre breakfast cereals and bread.

RESULTS

Repeated measures ANOVA revealed reductions in serum TC of 0.25 mmol/L (p < 0.01) and LDL-C of 0.20 mmol/L (p = 0.02) following the chickpea diet compared to the wheat. An unintended significant increase in PUFA and corresponding decrease in MUFA consumption occurred during the chickpea diet and statistical adjustment for this reduced but did not eliminate the effect on serum lipids. There was no significant difference in glucose tolerance. Perceived general bowel health improved significantly during the chickpea diet although there was considerable individual variation. Some participants reported greater satiety during the chickpea diet.

CONCLUSIONS

The small but significant decrease in serum TC and LDL-C during the chickpea diet compared to the equivalent fibre wheat diet was partly due to unintentional changes in macronutrient intake occurring because of chickpea ingestion. If dietary energy and macronutrients were not controlled, chickpea consumption might result in greater benefits via influence on these factors.

Dietary intake of patients with chronic kidney disease entering the LORD trial: adjusting for underreporting

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to determine the dietary intake of patients with chronic kidney disease before and after filtering for suspected underreporters and to investigate the impact of underreporting on the interpretation of diet data.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The study included outpatients from hospitals and clinics in Northern Tasmania, Australia.

PATIENTS

Data from 113 patients enrolled in the Lipid Lowering and Onset of Renal Disease trial were used in this study. Patients with serum creatinine greater than 120 mmol/L were included, and those taking lipid-lowering medication were excluded.

METHODS

Patients completed a 4-day self-report diet diary, and FoodWorks software was used to determine their daily intake of energy, macronutrients, and specific micronutrients. Diet diaries were assessed for likely underreporting using the Goldberg cutoff approach with a ratio of energy intake to estimated resting energy expenditure of 1.27. Nutrient intakes were compared with current National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines, World Health Organization recommendations, recommended daily allowances, and daily values adjusted for energy intake.

RESULTS

Demographics of the patients were as follows: male/female, 71/42; age (mean +/- standard deviation), 60 +/- 15 years; body mass index, 28.6 +/- 6.0 kg/m(2), and serum creatinine, 223.4 +/- 110.0 mmol/L. According to the criteria, 80 patients (70.8%) were underreporting their energy intake. Underreporters were more likely to be female and younger, and have a higher body mass index and elevated serum creatinine. In all patients, daily energy intake (89.6 +/- 32.4 kJ/kg) was lower than recommended (125-145 kJ/kg); however, this was not the case for valid reporters (128.3 +/- 23.7 kJ/kg). Protein intake was higher (0.9 +/- 0.3 g/kg) than recommended (0.75 g/kg) in all patients and even higher (1.2 +/- 0.3 g/kg) in valid reporters. Mean calcium, zinc, and dietary fiber intakes were all below recommendations in all patients, but these differences were not apparent in valid reporters.

CONCLUSION

Interpreting self-report diet diary data from patients with chronic kidney disease without attempting to exclude underreporters will lead to erroneous conclusions, especially in respect to energy, protein, dietary fiber, calcium, and zinc intakes.

Effects of daily ingestion of chilli on serum lipoprotein oxidation in adult men and women

Laboratory studies have shown that the resistance of isolated LDL-cholesterol or linoleic acid to oxidation is increased in incubations with chilli extracts or capsaicin – the active ingredient of chilli. It is unknown if these in vitro antioxidative effects also occur in the serum of individuals eating chilli regularly. The present study investigated the effects of regular consumption of chilli on in vitro serum lipoprotein oxidation and total antioxidant status (TAS) in healthy adult men and women. In a randomised cross-over study, twenty-seven participants (thirteen men and fourteen women) ate ‘freshly chopped chilli’ blend (30g/d; 55% cayenne chilli) and no chilli (bland) diets, for 4 weeks each. Use of other spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, garlic and mustard, was restricted to minimum amounts. At the end of each dietary period serum samples were analysed for lipids, lipoproteins, TAS and Cu-induced lipoprotein oxidation. Lag time (before initiation of oxidation) and rate of oxidation (slope of propagation phase) were calculated. There was no difference in the serum lipid, lipoproteins and TAS at the end of the two dietary periods. In the whole group, the rate of oxidation was significantly lower (mean difference −0·23 absorbance ×10−3/min; P=0·04) after the chilli diet, compared with the bland diet. In women, lag time was higher (mean difference 9·61min; P<0·001) after the chilli diet, compared with the bland diet. In conclusion, regular consumption of chilli for 4 weeks increases the resistance of serum lipoproteins to oxidation.

IMIA presidential retrospectives on medical informatics

OBJECTIVES

The International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2007. Three IMIA Presidents from three continents were invited to give their personal retrospectives on the world's largest organization in medical informatics.

METHOD

Reports, based on personal reminiscenses.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

IMIA was established in the 1970s by individuals already active in medical informatics in their home countries. It has evolved into a strong international organization based on the mutual trust and friendship of members throughout the world. IMIA serves as a 'bridge' organization both within an interorganizational context and within the broader context of IMIA's professional aims. Being a driving motor for successive waves of change in the field, IMIA helps to significantly improve health care by building bridges across regions, disciplines, and professions, to bridge the distances around the globe.

Dietary supplementation with chickpeas for at least 5 weeks results in small but significant reductions in serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterols in adult women and men

AIM

To compare the effects of a chickpea-supplemented diet and those of a wheat-supplemented diet on human serum lipids and lipoproteins.

METHODS

Forty-seven free-living adults participated in a randomized crossover weight maintenance dietary intervention involving two dietary periods, chickpea-supplemented and wheat-supplemented diets, each of at least 5 weeks duration.

RESULTS

The serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower (both p < 0.01) by 3.9 and 4.6%, respectively, after the chickpea-supplemented diet as compared with the wheat-supplemented diet. Protein (0.9% of energy, p = 0.01) and monounsaturated fat (3.3% of total fat, p < 0.001) intakes were slightly but significantly lower and the carbohydrate intake significantly higher (1.7% of energy, p < 0.001) on the chickpea-supplemented diet as compared with the wheat-supplemented diet. Multivariate analyses suggested that the differences in serum lipids were mainly due to small differences in polyunsaturated fatty acid and dietary fibre contents between the two intervention diets.

CONCLUSIONS

Inclusion of chickpeas in an intervention diet results in lower serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as compared with a wheat-supplemented diet.

Baseline serum lipids and renal function in chronic kidney disease patients entering the LORD trial

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies investigating associations between serum lipids and renal disease have generally not taken into account dietary intake or physical activity both known to influence circulating lipids. Furthermore, inclusion of patients on HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may also have influenced findings due to the pleiotropic effect of this medication. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the relationships between serum lipids and renal function in a group of patients not taking lipid-lowering medication and taking into account dietary intake and physical activity.

METHODS

Data from 100 patients enrolled in the Lipid Lowering and Onset of Renal Disease (LORD) trial were used in this study. Patients were included with serum creatinine > 120 micromol/l, and excluded if they were taking lipid-lowering medication. Unadjusted and adjusted relationships were determined between fasting serum lipid concentrations (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol/HDL ratio) and measures of renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine clearance and serum creatinine) and urinary protein excretion.

RESULTS

Significant (p < 0.05) negative unadjusted relationships were found between lipids (total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol) and serum creatinine. In support of these findings, logarithmically-transformed lipids (total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol) were significantly associated with eGFR and creatinine clearance although the effects were of a smaller magnitude. Adjustment for dietary saturated fat intake and physical activity did not substantially change these effects.

CONCLUSION

These data do not support the premise that lipids are associated with renal dysfunction in patients with normocholesterolemia.

The effect of 4-week chilli supplementation on metabolic and arterial function in humans

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of regular chilli ingestion on some indicators of metabolic and vascular function.

DESIGN

A randomized cross-over dietary intervention study.

SETTING

Launceston, Australia.

SUBJECTS

Healthy free-living individuals.

INTERVENTION

Thirty-six participants (22 women and 14 men), aged 46+/-12 (mean+/-s.d.) years; BMI 26.4+/-4.8 kg/m(2), consumed 30 g/day of a chilli blend (55% cayenne chilli) with their normal diet (chilli diet), and a bland diet (chilli-free) for 4 weeks each. Metabolic and vascular parameters, including plasma glucose, serum lipids and lipoproteins, insulin, basal metabolic rate, blood pressure, heart rate, augmentation index (AIx; an indicator of arterial stiffness), and subendocardial-viability ratio (SEVR; a measure of myocardial perfusion), were measured at the end of each diet. In a sub-study, during week 3 of each dietary period, the vascular responses of 15 subjects to glyceryl-trinitrate (GTN) and salbutamol were also studied.

RESULTS

For the whole group, there were no significant differences between any of the measured parameters when compared at the end of the two dietary periods. When analysed separately, men had a lower resting heart rate (P=0.02) and higher SEVR (P=0.05) at the end of the chilli diet than the bland diet. In the sub-study, baseline AIx on the chilli diet was lower (P<0.001) than on the bland diet, but there was no difference in the effects of GTN and salbutamol between the two diets.

CONCLUSION

Four weeks of regular chilli consumption has no obvious beneficial or harmful effects on metabolic parameters but may reduce resting heart rate and increase effective myocardial perfusion pressure time in men.

Effects of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and curcumin on copper-induced oxidation of human serum lipids

The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is believed to be the initiating factor for the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The active ingredients of spices such as chili and turmeric (capsaicin and curcumin, respectively) have been shown to reduce the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. One of the techniques used to study the oxidation of LDL is to isolate LDL and subject it to metal-induced (copper or iron) oxidation. However, whole serum may represent a closer situation to in vivo conditions than using isolated LDL. We investigated the effects of different concentrations (0.1-3 microM) of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and curcumin on copper-induced oxidation of serum lipoproteins. The lag time (before initiation of oxidation) and rate of oxidation (slope of propagation phase) were calculated. The lag time increased, and the rate of oxidation decreased with increasing concentrations of the tested antioxidants (p < 0.05). A 50% increase in lag time (from control) was observed at concentrations between 0.5 and 0.7 microM for capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and curcumin. This study shows that oxidation of serum lipids is reduced by capsaicinoids and curcumin in a concentration-dependent manner.

Effects of chili consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and energy metabolism

BACKGROUND

Animal and some human studies have indicated that the consumption of chili-containing meals increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which may help to reduce obesity and related disorders. Because habitual diets affect the activity and responsiveness of receptors involved in regulating and transporting nutrients, the effects of regular consumption of chili on metabolic responses to meals require investigation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate the metabolic effects of a chili-containing meal after the consumption of a bland diet and a chili-blend (30 g/d; 55% cayenne chili) supplemented diet.

DESIGN

Thirty-six subjects with a mean (+/-SD) age of 46 +/- 12 y and a body mass index (in kg/m2) of 26.3 +/- 4.6 participated in a randomized, crossover, intervention study with 2 dietary periods (chili and bland) of 4 wk each. The postprandial effects of a bland meal after a bland diet (BAB), a chili meal after a bland diet (CAB), and a chili meal after a chili-containing diet (CAC) were evaluated. Serum insulin, C-peptide, and glucose concentrations and energy expenditure (EE) were measured at fasting and up to 120 min postprandially.

RESULTS

Significant heterogeneity was observed between the meals for the maximum increase in insulin and the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for insulin (P = 0.0002); the highest concentrations were with the BAB meal and the lowest with the CAC meal. When separated at the median BMI (26.3), the subjects with a BMI > or = 26.3 also showed heterogeneity in C-peptide, iAUC C-peptide, and net AUC EE (P < 0.02 for all); the highest values occurred after the BAB meal and the lowest after the CAC meal. Conversely, the C-peptide/insulin quotient (an indicator of hepatic insulin clearance) was highest after the CAC meal (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Regular consumption of chili may attenuate postprandial hyperinsulinemia.

Effects of olive oil and tomato lycopene combination on serum lycopene, lipid profile, and lipid oxidation

OBJECTIVE

We compared the effect of two diets (a diet high in olive oil and a diet high in carbohydrate and low in olive oil) with high lycopene content and other controlled carotenoids on serum lycopene, lipids, and in vitro oxidation.

METHODS

This was a randomized crossover dietary intervention study carried out in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia in healthy free-living individuals. Twenty-one healthy subjects who were 22 to 70 y old were recruited by advertisements in newspapers and a university newsletter. A randomized dietary intervention was done with two diets of 10 d each. One diet was high in olive oil and the other was high in carbohydrate and low in olive oil; the two diets contained the same basic foods and a controlled carotenoid content high in lycopene.

RESULTS

Significant increases (P<0.001) in serum lycopene concentration on both diets were to similar final concentrations. Higher serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.01), lower ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (P<0.01), and lower triacylglycerols (P<0.05) occurred after the olive oil diet compared with the high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. There was no difference in total antioxidant status and susceptibility of serum lipids to oxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum lycopene level changes with dietary lycopene intake irrespective of the amount of fat intake. However, a diet high in olive oil and rich in lycopene may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by improving the serum lipid profile compared with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat, lycopene-rich diet.

Senile plaques in Alzheimer's diseased brains: possible association of beta-amyloid with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) L-particles

The characteristic insoluble, senile (neuritic) plaques found extracellularly in brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) contain the fibrillar form of beta-amyloid (Abeta42). A substantial proportion of autopsied elderly brains have demonstrated DNA evidence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infiltration. HSV-1-infected cells produce significant quantities of non-infectious, non-DNA-containing light particles (L-particles) comprised of viral envelope and tegument proteins. HSV-induced L-particles can be exocytosed out of their host cells. This report advances the hypothesis that (1) Abeta binds to L-particles; (2) Abeta permeabilizes L-particles, destroying the integrity of the envelope and allowing the contained tegument proteins to spill into the extracellular space; and (3) these events are followed by a conformational shift of Abeta into its fibrillar form, physically trapping the L-particle-derived substances and resulting in the plaques characteristic of AD. These hypotheses are supported by reports of biomolecular changes and pathophysiologies which have been simultaneously observed in both AD- and HSV-infected brains.

Lupin kernel fibre-enriched foods beneficially modify serum lipids in men

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of a diet containing a novel legume food ingredient, Australian sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) kernel fibre (LKFibre), compared to a control diet without the addition of LKFibre, on serum lipids in men.

DESIGN

Randomized crossover dietary intervention study.

SETTING

Melbourne, Australia--Free-living men.

SUBJECTS

A total of 38 healthy males between the ages of 24 and 64 y completed the intervention.

INTERVENTION

Subjects consumed an LKFibre and a control diet for 1 month each. Both diets had the same background menus with seven additional experimental foods that either contained LKFibre or did not. Depending on energy intake, the LKFibre diet was designed to contain an additional 17 to 30 g/day fibre beyond that of the control diet.

RESULTS

Compared to the control diet, the LKFibre diet reduced total cholesterol (TC) (mean+/-s.e.m.; 4.5+/-1.7%; P=0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (5.4+/-2.2%; P=0.001), TC: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (3.0+/-2.0%; P=0.006) and LDL-C:HDL-C (3.8+/-2.6%; P=0.003). No effects on HDL-C, triacylglycerols, glucose or insulin were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of LKFibre to the diet provided favourable changes to some serum lipid measures in men, which, combined with its high palatability, suggest this novel ingredient may be useful in the dietary reduction of coronary heart disease risk.

Micronutrient deficiencies and gender: social and economic costs

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies adversely affect a third of the world's people. Consequently, a series of global goals and a serious amount of donor and national resources have been directed at such micronutrient deficiencies. Drawing on the extensive experience of the authors in a variety of institutional settings, the article used a computer search of the published scientific literature of the topic, supplemented by reports and published and unpublished work from the various agencies. In examining the effect of sex on the economic and social costs of micronutrient deficiencies, the paper found that: (1) micronutrient deficiencies affect global health outcomes; (2) micronutrient deficiencies incur substantial economic costs; (3) health and nutrition outcomes are affected by sex; (4) micronutrient deficiencies are affected by sex, but this is often culturally specific; and finally, (5) the social and economic costs of micronutrient deficiencies, with particular reference to women and female adolescents and children, are likely to be considerable but are not well quantified. Given the potential impact on reducing infant and child mortality, reducing maternal mortality, and enhancing neuro-intellectual development and growth, the right of women and children to adequate food and nutrition should more explicitly reflect their special requirements in terms of micronutrients. The positive impact of alleviating micronutrient malnutrition on physical activity, education and productivity, and hence on national economies suggests that there is also an urgent need for increased effort to demonstrate the cost of these deficiencies, as well as the benefits of addressing them, especially compared with other health and nutrition interventions.

Can a herpes simplex virus type 1 neuroinvasive score be correlated to other risk factors in Alzheimer's disease?

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is latent in the nervous system of most humans. Ball [Can J Neurol Sci 9 (1982) 303] first suggested the hypothesis that HSV-1 could be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by noting that regions of the brain particularly and earliest affected in AD were the same as those most damaged during HSV encephalitis. Data from Itzhaki's research suggests that HSV-1 in the brain and the carriage of an apolipoprotein E allele 4 (ApoE e4) together confer risk for AD [J Pathol 97 (2002) 395], [Mol Chem Neuropathol 28 (1996) 135], [Alzheimer's Rep 1 (1998) 173], [Biochem Soc Trans 26 (1998) 273]. Of the two other studies based on Itzhaki's findings, one showed similar results [Lancet 349 (1997) 1102], and the other showed a similar trend [Lancet 351 (1998) 1330], [Lancet 352 (1998) 1312]. To further examine the role of HSV-1 in the etiology of AD, we have formulated a Neuroinvasive Score that quantifies the presence and viral load of HSV-1 in eight brain regions. These regions are: entorhinal cortex, hippocampus, pons, cerebellum, and neocortex (temporal, parietal, occipital, and frontal). We hypothesize that the Neuroinvasive Score that encompasses the presence, amount, and extent of HSV-1 spreading (neuroinvasiveness), will correlate with the genetic risk factor, ApoE e4, in the assessment of autopsy samples from AD patients. If the neuroinvasive score can be directly correlated to the different stages of AD (mild, moderate, severe), this will strengthen the hypothesis that HSV-1 is involved in AD and that ApoE e4 also confers risk for the development and progression of AD.

Diet rich in saturated fat decreases the ratio of thromboxane/prostacyclin in healthy men

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of dietary saturated fat (SFA) from animal sources on the urine excretion 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto prostaglandin F 1alpha (PGF 1alpha) in 27 healthy free-living male subjects aged 30 to 55 years.

METHODS

It was a randomized crossover design. Each volunteer was randomly assigned to one of the two diets (high fat and low fat) for a period of 4 weeks, after which each subject resumed his usual diet for 2 weeks as a 'wash-out period', before being assigned to the other diet for an additional 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Serum proportion of 20:4n-6 was 5% lower in the high fat (6.2% of total fatty acid) than in the low fat diet (6.5% of total fatty acid), which was associated with a significantly decreased ratio of the urinary excretion 11-dehydro TXB2 to 6-keto PGF 1alpha (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant fall in the absolute urinary excretion of 11-dehydro TXB2.

CONCLUSIONS

Diet rich in SFA from animal sources may influence TXA2 formation via effect on tissue proportion of 20:4n-6.