Human hair follicle biomagnetism: potential biochemical correlates

Background: The S100 protein family is linked to energy transfer in cells of vertebrates at a molecular level. This process involves the electron transfer chain and therefore, as inferred from Faraday’s Law, electron movement will induce electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Biological entities emit photoelectrons that can be tracked and visualized by small paramagnetic nano-sized iron particles. Methods: We have developed an optical microscopic approach for imaging electromagnetic activity of hair follicles utilizing nano-sized iron particles (mean diameter 2000nm) in Prussian Blue Stain solution (PBS Fe 2000). Results: We found that the human hair follicle emits electromagnetic fields (EMFs) based on metabolic activity within the follicle, which is associated with the activity of selective S-100 proteins. Conclusions: Our results link the molecular biochemical energy associated with the S100 family of proteins and biomagnetism of human hair follicles

Structural changes in the progression of atrial fibrillation: Potential role of glycogen and fibrosis as perpetuating factors

Background: Previous studies of the goat heart subjected to prolonged atrial pacing induced sustained atrial fibrillation (AF). Structural changes included marked accumulation of glycogen in atrial myocytes. Aims: In the present study, we hypothesized that glycogen deposition in canine atrial myocytes promotes paroxysmal forms of AF and is involved in fibrosis development in the later stages of AF. Material & methods: In dogs under pentobarbital anesthesia, tissues were obtained from the right and left atrial appendages (LAA/RAA). Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining of the LAA/RAA from normal dogs, and those subjected to atrial pacing induced AF for 48 h or 8 weeks determined glycogen and collagen concentrations, respectively, using morphometric analysis. Results: At baseline, there was a significant greater concentration of glycogen in the LAA than the RAA (P </= 0.05). Compared to the RAA, the LAA glycogen, was dense and locked against the intercalated discs. After pacing induced AF for 48 hours and 8 weeks there was a marked increase in glycogen deposition, significantly greater than in the baseline state (P </= 0.05). There was a similar and progressive increase in collagen concentrations in each group (P </= 0.05). Conclusions: The differential in glycogen concentration, in conjunction with other factors, neural and electrophysiological, provide a basis for the greater propensity of the left atrium for paroxysmal AF, at baseline and 48 hours of pacing induced AF. The marked increase in collagen at 8 weeks of pacing provides a substrate for sustained AF. Evidence is presented linking glycogen accumulation and fibrosis as factors in the persistent forms of AF.Peer reviewedVeterinary Pathobiolog

The role of GSK-3 in synaptic plasticity

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), an important component of the glycogen metabolism pathway, is highly expressed in the CNS. It has been implicated in major neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Despite its central role in these conditions it was not known until recently whether GSK-3 has neuronal-specific functions under normal conditions. However recent work has shown that GSK-3 is involved in the regulation of, and cross-talk between, two major forms of synaptic plasticity, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and NMDAR-dependent long-term depression (LTD). The present article summarizes this recent work and discusses its potential relevance to the treatment of neurological disorders