'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."

Comments

Re:My Question

[Anonymous Coward]

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.

Original quote included side-effects

[MarkByers]

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.