Fast detection of a (CA)18 microsatellite repeat in the IgE receptor gene by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection

Recent updates in redox regulation and free radical scavenging effects by herbal products in experimental models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex multifactorial disease marked by extensive neuropathology in the brain with selective yet prominent and progressive loss of mid-brain dopaminergic neurons. The etiological factors involved in the development of PD are still elusive, but oxidative stress arising when reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceed amounts required for normal redox signaling is considered one of the major factors. ROS cause oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA and are one of the most prominent factors related to neurodegeneration. Pre-clinical and clinical studies clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PD. Therefore, regulation of redox signaling and inhibiting excess ROS would contribute greatly not only to extend longevity but also to ameliorate the progression of dopaminergic cell death seen in patients with PD. Several herbal products are beneficial for maintaining nerve cell function and for treating various neurodegenerative disorders by reducing oxidative stress. Here, we summarize the recent knowledge concerning promising herbs that have shown significant beneficial effects based on regulation of redox status and ROS inhibition in toxin-induced PD models.

Advances ofcapillary electrophoresis in clinical and forensic analysis (1999-2000)

In this paper, capillary electrophoresis in clinical and forensic analysis is reviewed on the basis of the literature of 1999, 2000 and the first papers in 2001. An overview of progress relevant examples for each major field of application, namely (i) analysis of drug seizures, explosives residues, gunshot residues and inks, (ii) monitoring of drugs, endogenous small molecules and ions in biofluids and tissues, (iii) general screening for serum proteins and analysis of specific proteins (carbohydrate deficient transferrin, alpha1-antitrypsin, lipoproteins and hemoglobins) in biological fluids, and (iv) analysis of nucleic acids and oligonucleotides in biological samples, including oligonucleotide therapeutics, are presented.

Fast analysis of antibacterial isothiazolones by capillary electrophoresis

Some technical aspects influencing the total time of CE analysis are discussed. A high throughput electrophoretic system based on micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) is demonstrated as an example. A short capillary, strong electric field, alkaline buffer (pH 9.5) generating strong electroosmotic flow, and parallel hydrodynamic pressure allow the separation of two uncharged isothiazolone derivatives within 45 s.

Fluorescent amplified-fragment length polymorphism genotyping of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars and comparison with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing

We have performed the fluorescently labeled amplified-fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP) method on 97 strains of the food-borne pathogen Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica comprising seven different serovars using the restriction enzymes EcoRI and MseI. From the total FAFLP fingerprinted strains, 81 were compared with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing of the same strains. The FAFLP method showed a discriminatory power equal to that of PFGE. We report a fast, robust, and high-resolution adaptation of the AFLP assay for fingerprinting S. enterica subsp. enterica serovars with capillary electrophoresis that can be scaled to high throughput on automated analysis instruments.

Ultrafast detection of microsatellite repeat polymorphism in endothelin 1 gene by electrophoresis in short capillaries

The methodology and instrumentation for fast denaturing electrophoresis in short capillaries was developed and exemplified by detection of short tandem repeat polymorphism in the endothelin 1 gene. The resolution of two nucleotides, which is required for the detection of a dinucleotide repeat polymorphism, was achieved in a capillary of an effective length of 2.5 cm at a temperature of 600C and an electric field strength of 600 V/cm in 42 s. Thus, the use of denaturing electrophoresis in short capillaries with laser-induced fluorescence detection resulted in a reduction of analysis time by a factor of 200 when compared to the conventional slab gel electrophoresis. The developed methodology and instrumentation is advantageous for an implementation in clinical diagnostics and genetic population screening where fast analytical instrumentation amenable to automation is of paramount importance.