Abstract In just the last 30 years, molecular biologists have discovered genes with the potential to extend longevity: SIR2 in yeast and its mammalian equivalent, SIRT1. In animal models, SIRT1, via the enzymes it encodes, has been shown to have healthspan extending regulatory effects on metabolism, stress resistance, cellular survival, cellular senescence, inflammation-immune function, endothelial […]
Alzheimer’s and Atherosclerosis – Siblings in a Dysfunctional Family: Part I
Abstract Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is the transmembrane protein that, if cleaved by the enzyme beta-secretase, produces amyloid beta (the histopathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease [AD]). If acted upon by the enzyme alpha-secretase, however, APP cleavage produces neuroprotective compounds. What determines which enzyme will gain access to APP? The answers to this question reveal connections […]
Getting off the Alzheimer’s Disease Interstate: Part II
Abstract Despite extensive efforts to identify a magic bullet to prevent the occurrence or mitigate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), no effective single “pill-for-an-ill” strategy has been found, which is likely why on April 28, 2010, an NIH consensus panel on AD prevention pronounced, “There is no good evidence that Alzheimer’s disease or the […]
Vitamin D and Vitamin K Team Up to Lower CVD Risk: Part I
Abstract Strong correlations have been noted between cardiovascular diseases and low bone density / osteoporosis—connections so strong that the presence of one type of pathology is considered a likely predictor of the other. This potentially causal relationship has led to the hypothesis that these conditions share core mechanisms. Recent advances in our understanding of the […]
Vitamin D and Vitamin K Team Up to Lower CVD Risk: Part II
Abstract Strong correlations have been noted between cardiovascular diseases and low bone density / osteoporosis—connections so strong that the presence of one is considered a likely predictor of the other. This relationship has led to the hypothesis that these conditions share core pathophysiological mechanisms. Recent advances in our understanding of the complimentary roles played by […]