Abstract: On a grander scale, multiple sclerosis is a battle between a patient's will to fight and the disease's vicious attack on central nerve cells. On a cellular scale, it's between the T helper 1 (Th1) cell, which attacks and destroys the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells, and the Th2 and Th3 cells, which try to bring Th1 cells under control. ... Read more

Abstract: Parkinson's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder. Currently, there are no effective long-term treatments. Deep brain stimulation and stem cell transplantation are two experimental therapies. Authors found that monkey stem cells can be a source of dopaminergic neurons to replace those lost in a patient's brain. ... Read more

Abstract: The science of molecular imaging has witnessed dramatic advances in the last few years. The dynamic, subcellular world where genes and proteins roam can be visualized in space and time, and in health and disease. Quantum dot technology is at the forefront of molecular imaging for both the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. ... Read more

Abstract: Pope John Paul II was reported to have died of multiple organ failure caused by sepsis shock as a consequence of an infection. Severe sepsis leads to the powerful activation of innate immune responses, resulting in vascular and circulation crisis. Catalytic antibodies can bind to and destroy factors released during sepsis and may alleviate the pathology. ... Read more

Abstract: Human adult bone marrow-derived multipotent stem cells (BMSC) can grow to become virtually any cell type, under the right conditions. Heart muscle cells differentiated from BMSC are shown to be able to repair lesions caused by a heart attack. ... Read more

Abstract: Lactobacillus bacteria, which make lactose, line the mucosa of the mouth, intestine and vagina. One important aspect of having them there is to physically occupy the space and nutrients, preventing bad bacteria such as certain strains of E. coli from excessive colonization. Lactobacilli's ubiquitous presence on intestinal mucosa offers a unique opportunity; they could deliver, via molecular engineering, vaccines and drugs to mucosa. ... Read more

Abstract: The disease mechanism of bipolar disorder remains to be resolved. Abnormalities of interactions between neurotransmitters and cell signaling events are likely to play a role. Lithium, valproate, and other mood stabilizers reduce the level of inositol, a key cell signaling chemical, and exert therapeutic benefits. ... Read more

Abstract: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Antigen-presenting cells process antigens, form a molecular complex with its own major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule, and present the complex to immune T cells. Type 1 diabetes, as in other autoimmune diseases may have MHC molecules that turn in self tissue components as the target for immune attack. Gene therapy is being explored to replace the self-inflicting MHC with one from a healthy donor. ... Read more

Abstract: Genetic testing has been complicated by the fact that humans are diploid - we inherit one chromosome from father and one from mother. Hence there are two copies of each gene. Frequently, in inheritable diseases, including certain cancers, only one of the two genes has "gone awry." The best way to achieve clear, interpretable genetic testing results is to analyze one copy of the gene (haploid) without the presence of the other copy. ... Read more

Abstract: Colorectal cancer causes 492,000 deaths worldwide each year. The long transformation and asymptomatic period makes it amenable to early screening and preventive measures. Cells in the stools shed by intestinal mucosa are the ideal source of DNA for genetic screening of cancer genes and cancer stages. ... Read more