Function of liver molecule is determined

SAN DIEGO, -- U.S. scientists say they've discovered a molecule in the liver plays a vital role in helping the body fight lethal bacteria-caused blood clotting. University of California-San Diego School of Medicine researchers said their finding solves the longest-standing mystery in glycobiology -- the study of complex sugar chains called glycans. Until now, it was suspected the Ashwell receptor might serve to remove abnormal proteins from circulation, but it wasn't understood which proteins were affected or what biological purpose the receptor served. The study shows the Ashwell receptor is essential in reducing coagulation abnormalities during infection and sepsis, significantly improving the probability of survival. Sepsis, a life-threatening complication of bacterial infection in the blood, remains a major cause of death worldwide, said Professor Jamey Marth, the study's principal investigator. He said a major factor contributing to death in sepsis patients is a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation, which accelerates blood clotting. The UCSD researchers discovered a protective response, triggered by the Ashwell receptor, limits that lethal side effect by reducing the levels of circulating blood coagulation factors, including platelets. The study is examined in detail online, in advance of publication in the June issue of the journal Nature Medicine.

Virus Scann

Gene variant increases asthma risk

CHICAGO, -- U.S. scientists say they've determined a tiny variation in a gene known as CHI3L1 increases one's susceptibility to asthma and related medical conditions. University of Chicago Medical Center researchers said the gene variant causes increased blood levels of YKL-40, a biomarker for asthma. A slightly different genetic variation lowers YKL-40 levels and protects against asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and declines in lung function. Although the original discovery came from a study of a genetically isolated population, the Hutterites of South Dakota, the researchers were able to confirm the same connections between the CHI3L1 variations, YKL-40 levels and asthma susceptibility in three genetically diverse Caucasian populations from Chicago, Madison, Wis., and Freiberg, Germany. "This is exciting because it connects asthma susceptibility to a whole new pathway at the protein and the genetic levels," said Professor Carole Ober, the study's author. "There is a good deal more we need to find out about this connection, but now we know where to look." The findings are reported in the early online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine in advance of the journal's April 17 issue.

Brain Teaser