Molecular biology lies down with the lamb

Article Abstract:

Transgenic technology involves the insertion of a specific gene into an egg of some organism, most commonly a laboratory mouse, and then implanting it in the uterus so that it will develop into an animal carrying the desired gene. While some scientists have entertained idealistic notions of using this technology to produce superior farm animals, such as chickens which are more efficient at converting feed into meat, scientists at the Animal Breeding Research Organization in Edinburgh saw that idea as being a bit too optimistic. Instead, they decided to use transgenic animals as efficient factories for the production of specific proteins of interest. Scientists started with two human proteins of interest, FIX, which is deficient in hemophiliacs, and alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), which is deficient in patients with emphysema. They attached one or the other of these genes to the beta-lactoglobulin gene of sheep. Since this small protein is secreted in milk, they hoped to develop a sheep which would produce useful quantities of the human proteins and secrete them in the milk as well. The team of scientists is reporting success. They estimate that a sheep would have to secrete 2 grams of AAT per liter of milk for the method to become commercially viable. Though this quantity has not yet been achieved, there is every reason to believe it is possible. Levels of 7 grams per liter have been achieved in mice, but milking mice is hardly practical. Nevertheless, the success at inserting these genes into sheep has filled the research team with great anticipation of future success. In the words of one scientist, "Now we have so many good projects, we hardly know where to begin". (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Genetically modified animals, Biotechnology, Animal genetic engineering, editorial

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Chronic fatigue as chameleon

Article Abstract:

Physicians are confused about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and do not know whether to consider it a psychological or a physiological illness, as indicated at a recent meeting held in London on the subject. Moreover, they believe that many people feel tired much of the time in the modern world, with a higher incidence of fatigue in women. As many as three-quarters of CFS patients are clinically depressed, and many psychiatrists believe that depression is the cause of CFS, rather than a consequence of it. Anti-depressants, according to one British psychiatrist, are effective against CFS. Infectious agents could also be involved, however, but no agent has yet been identified. CFS cases have occurred after infection with Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and coxsackievirus; thus, it does not appear to have one cause. Physicians and self-help groups for patients with CFS differ in their treatment recommendations: some physicians prescribe exercise, while the groups recommend rest. At issue is the definition of CFS as a disease, rather than an unpleasant, irritating syndrome. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Diagnosis, Causes of, Chronic fatigue syndrome

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