Disease puzzle nears solution

Article Abstract:

Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), is a disorder characterized by severe muscle pain and high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. EMS is an inflammatory autoimmune reaction which affects the skin, fascia (muscle covering), muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lungs, and heart. It was thought that the disease symptoms were due to the actions of the eosinophils, but it has been shown that cells including macrophages and fibroblasts, chemical messengers, and cellular factors, are also involved. EMS developed after the victims took the amino acid L-tryptophan, which is used as a tranquilizer and sleeping aid. Since November 1989, 1,500 cases of EMS have been reported, associated with 24 deaths. However, it is thought that the number of cases may be as many as 5,000 to 10,000. The cause of the syndrome was a contaminate that was produced by a type of bacteria used to make L-tryptophan, which was produced by the Japanese manufacturer Show Denko. An impurity was identified, but it is thought that it may not be the real agent that causes the disease. The chemical structure of the impurity is being investigated, but there are only very small amounts available, making the characterization difficult. Substances must be 98.5 percent pure to receive Food and Drug Administration manufacturing approval. However, if a contaminant is potent, even in very small amounts, it can have a serious effect, as seen with EMS. The presence of contaminants is a concern for the biotechnology companies where products are often synthesized by bacteria. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Contamination, Eosinophil disorders

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Characterization of "peak E", a novel amino acid associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome

Article Abstract:

L-tryptophan, an industrially-produced amino acid, has been used experimentally by some to treat insomnia. Studies have shown that the development of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) occurred when individuals ingested L-tryptophan prepared by a single manufacturer. EMS is characterized by an increased number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell involved in inflammatory and allergic responses) and myalgia (muscle stiffness and pain). Other complications from EMS can include skin changes, pulmonary hypertension, damage to peripheral nerves, thromboembolism (blockage of blood vessels by a blood clot), and contraction of the joints. As of August 1990, there were over 1,500 cases of EMS, with 27 deaths. Since the syndrome was associated with L-tryptophan from a single manufacturer, it was thought that the disease was the result of a contaminant. The contaminant has been partially purified and is called "peak E". Previous reports have shown that this contaminant is the di-tryptophan N-alpha-aminal of acetaldehyde. Further studies indicate that the contaminant is 1,1'-ethylidenebis(tryptophan). This compound may be the cause of EMS, or may lead to the formation of another compound that causes EMS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects

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Rethinking solution NMR

Article Abstract:

The advancement of radio frequency technology has made the interpretation of highly complex spectral data a relatively simple task. Many assumptions related to NMR spectroscopy are being reworked. A report on cooperative interactions between molecules in solution is presented.

Research, Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Solution (Chemistry), Solutions (Chemistry)

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