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'Bad' Protein Linked to Numerous Health Problems

nbahi15 writes "A report in the July 13th edition of the online Journal of Clinical Investigation has linked the aP2 protein to asthma and several other diseases. It also suggests a connection between the metabolic and immune systems and these diseases." From a related Forbes article: "To study the effects of aP2, the researchers created genetically engineered mice that could not produce the protein. 'They're metabolic supermice,' Hotamisligil said. 'We cannot make them obese, diabetic or atherosclerotic. They don't develop fatty liver disease, and they don't develop asthma.' In mice with an animal model of asthma, the researchers found that aP2 regulated the infiltration of inflammatory molecules into the lungs."

8 of 217 comments (clear)

  1. Bad aP2Ps. by m_chan · · Score: 3, Funny

    Great. Kazaa just gave me asthma. Well, let's just get the MPAA and the RIAA to file some lawsuits against these bad aP2Ps. That'll fix their wagon. They've got to learn that it's wrong to steal the pharmaceutical industry's property. Wait. What?

  2. Re:My Question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    Are we sure this protein doesn't have a big positive effect that we are not aware of?

    Yes. This is the gene that prevents you from turning into a super mouse. For everyone except mice, that's a major positive effect.
  3. Re:Someone's got to say it by Conception · · Score: 2, Funny

    No, really... no one has to say it. I promise. It can not be said. We'll all be fine.

  4. Re:Someone's got to say it by Red+Samurai · · Score: 2, Funny

    Sorry, apparently this was branded "not funny" a while back by the joke police.

  5. Original quote included side-effects by MarkByers · · Score: 4, Funny

    would be nice if they listed some side effects

    See the original quote in full:

    All the mice died instantly, but on the positive side we cannot make them obese, diabetic or atherosclerotic. They don't develop fatty liver disease, and they don't develop asthma.

    Apparently dead mice don't have much appetite. The scientists are continuing their investigations.

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    I'll probably be modded down for this...
  6. aP2 Proteins by thorshammer42 · · Score: 2, Funny

    So that's that secret ingredient in my Big Mac!

  7. aP2, not a2p by smcdow · · Score: 3, Funny

    Instead of aP2, I read a2p, which is the awk to perl translator. Everybody knows a2p is bad for you. First I've heard of aP2.

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    In the course of every project, it will become necessary to shoot the scientists and begin production.
  8. Re:My Question by mlush · · Score: 2, Funny
    "A vegetarian lifestyle of long duration (> or = 20 y) "

    Vegetarians don't live longer it just seems longer