Sugar Linkage Could Lead To Better Treatment For Autoimmune Diseases

ScienceDaily (May 15, 2008) — Researchers at the University of New Hampshire Glycomics Center have helped identify a specific carbohydrate structure that confers anti-inflammatory activity to a glycoprotein antibody that could lead to improved treatment of autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The study, reported in a recent edition of the journal Science, was led by immunologist Jeffrey Ravetch of Rockefeller University.

"Carbohydrates are the glue that pulls things together, the cell surface matrix in which cells communicate, and they provide the connections for signal transduction. It's only been within the last decade that we've realized that such structures are critical for all kinds of biological function," says Reinhold. "Now that we can define precise structures, we can begin to understand their function. This structure-functional relationship will have a huge impact on our health in respect to immune regulation."

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Analysis of Nerve Cell Damage and Repair using Genomics, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, Glycomics and Systems Biology

UBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c91485) has announced the addition of "Neural Degeneration and Repair: Gene Expression Profiling, Proteomics and Systems Biology" to their offering.

With contributions from leading scientists around the world, this is the first book focussing on the analysis of nerve cell damage and repair using genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, glycomics and systems biology in order to develop novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches for neural diseases.

Following an introduction into the microarray technology in translational neuroscience, the book goes on to look at the use of '-omics' technologies to analyse molecular changes in traumatic injury, neuron degeneration and regeneration, oxidative stress response, neuropathic pain manifestation, and more. The work covers central nervous system as well as peripheral nervous system pathologies. This novel approach makes the book an indispensable companion for neurobiologists, neurologists, cell and molecular biologists, geneticists, and analytical chemists.


Key Discussions:

- INTRODUCTION

- REACTIONS OF PERIPHERAL NERVE TO TRAUMATIC INJURY AND AXON REGENERATION

- CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TRAUMA AND NEURODEGENERATION

- GLYCOMIC TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION

The Author is Hans Werner Müller who has been Professor of Molecular Neurobiology at Düsseldorf University since 1993. From 2001 onwards he has acted as the founder of the Neuraxo Biotec GmbH company, where he is also Chairman of the board of directors. He has published more than 150 scientific articles in the field of neurobiology and neuroscience and is an active member of many scientific societies including the American Society for Neurosciences, and the German Society for Neuroscience, where he is chairman of the molecular neurobiology section.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c91485

Jury Validates Key Mannatech Technology Patents Involving Its Ambrotose (R) Glyconutrients Products

Glycoproducts International Inc., found to have committed patent and trademark infringement

A federal court jury in the Northern District of Texas found that Glycoproducts International Inc. had committed infringement of Mannatech's patent and trademark relating to Ambrotose(R).

The jury found Glycoproducts International Inc. had committed patent infringement on Mannatech's U.S. Patent No. 7,157,431. The jury found that this infringement was willful, and also ruled in favor of Mannatech on all patent validity issues presented to the jury. In addition, the jury ruled in favor of Mannatech relative to trademark infringement claims made in the case. Based on these rulings, Mannatech will also be pursuing an immediate injunction prohibiting Glycoproducts International Inc. from further engaging in the production, distribution and sale of its Glycomannan product, as well as the reimbursement of Mannatech's legal fees on this matter.

"We are extremely pleased by these outcomes and will continue to vigorously defend our technology and cutting-edge research and development in the groundbreaking field of glyconutrients," said Terry Persinger, president and CEO of Mannatech. "With 45 registered patents, five in the U.S. and 40 more internationally, and an additional 85 patents pending worldwide, we believe these favorable rulings reinforce our leadership position as a developer and provider of high-quality nutritional supplements."

The case stems from a suit filed by Mannatech in March 2006 against Glycoproducts International, formerly Glycobiotics International Inc., asserting that the company infringed on certain Mannatech Ambrotose patents originally issued in 2005 and 2007.

"A company's ability to stop patent infringement requires not only the issuance of a patent, but also a favorable court interpretation of the patent and a defense of its validity," said Keith Clark, general counsel at Mannatech. "This decision, coupled with the company's successful outcomes in the Markman hearing rulings last year, paves the way for protecting these critical Mannatech technology patents moving forward."

Effectiveness of Pre-Exercise Performance Drink

A study was done on a proprietary blend of ingredients for a sports drink which showed an increased aerobic function as marked by increases in length of time trials to exhaustion. It basically means enhanced energy and cardiorespiratory fitness was achieved.

I personally take this before I play racquetball or an intense weight training session.

The product is a produced by the leader in Glyconutritional supplements.

Check out the study brought to you by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 3(1):56-59, 2006. (www.theissn.org)