TWO PROTEINS BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM
Scientists have identified the interaction of two proteins that
appear to play a key role in the body's ability to fight disease. The
proteins are Interleukin 21, or IL-21, and Interleukin 21 receptor, or
IL-21R. They are involved in the growth and activation of red blood
cells, white blood cells, antibody-producing cells and other components
critical for a strong immune response. The discovery was reported in
the British journal Nature. The immunologists and stem cell biologists
at ZymoGenetics, Inc., in Seattle showed key biological roles of IL-21
and IL-21R in regulating the immune system. Advanced biological and
preclinical studies are next on the agenda, the scientists said.
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DIET SUPPLEMENT MAY PROTECT BRAIN
A study indicates the dietary supplement creatine may protect
against traumatic brain injury. Creatine, an amino acid, is often used
by professional and amateur athletes, said study leader Stephen Scheff
of the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and UK
College of Medicine Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. The study
was published in the journal Annals of Neurology. Many athletes use
creatine as a dietary supplement to increase muscle mass, strength and
recovery time of muscles between bursts of activity. Each year some 7
million Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries caused by motor
vehicle accidents, falls, assaults and sports-related activities,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some
300,000 of these are due to sports or recreational activities, CDC
statistics show. Brain injuries are most likely among athletes
participating in sports that can involve blows to the head, such as
football, hockey, wrestling, skiing, baseball and boxing. Scheff said
his studies showed brain damage in mice was reduced 21 percent and 36
percent when creatine was administered three days and five days before
the injury, respectively.