Shiraz Emedical Journal
Volume:5 Issue: 4, Oct 2004

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an Autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by GAA triplet repeat expansion or point mutation in FRDA gene. This gene codes for a protein called frataxin which shows reduced expression in FRDA patients. The aim of the study was to unravel the function of frataxin. The function of frataxin is not known yet and is a mystery. In order to find the function of an unknown protein it is better to find out interacting partner protein. Interacting partner proteins of frataxin were captured by immunoprecipitation and subsequently visualized in the form of band on western blotting. Result and significance: While unraveling the frataxin function by capturing interacting partner proteins through immunoprecipitation, a novel protein of 54 kDa was identified beside previously known 30 kDa and 18 kDa precursor and mature proteins of frataxin. Immunohistochemistry of normal human brains sections revealed the perfect specificity of frataxin protein that we used for the immunoprecipitation. Given that 30 kDa and18 kDa frataxin proteins previously reported, we report here the presence of a 54 kDa protein which could be an interacting partner protein of frataxin. Further investigations are required to identify type of protein and its relevant role in the appropriate functioning of frataxin.

With the renewed interest in breast-feeding and the discussion of nutritional advantages of breast milk, there is more controversy regarding human milk as a nutritional source for preterm infants. In order to assess the nutritional adequacy of this milk, knowledge of its nutrient composition is required. In this study, Protein, Cholesterol, Sodium and Calcium content of milk produced by mothers of premature and full-term infants were determined. Study was carried out in four groups:1. 20 mothers of premature infants at 2-5th postpartum days.2. 20 mothers of premature infants at 14-17th postpartum days.3. 20 mothers of full-term infants at 2-5th postpartum days4. 20 mothers of full-term infants at 14-17th postpartum daysMilk produced by mothers delivering preterm infants contained significantly higher concentration of Sodium especially in the first few days after delivery. Protein, Cholesterol and Calcium concentration were relatively similar in compared groups.Sodium concentration decreased with progressing the days of lactation in both groups. No significant change in Protein and Calcium concentration was seen with progression of lactation. Cholesterol concentration increased with progressing days of lactation especially in the milk of premature infants’ mothers.

There is paucity of reports in the demographic knowledge, belief and socio-psychological impact of acne vulgaris sufferers towards the disorder in a black population. This is the first study from Nigeria designed to address this issue. A total of 174 facial acne sufferers completed a self-administered questionnaire, which contained several items mentioning different areas in their belief, knowledge, perception, severity, socio-psychological impact and medication attention. The findings were discussed and compared to those of the Caucasians. The occurrence of the disorder was higher in females (65.0%)compared to the males (35.0%). About 54.0% of the female subjects indicated increase in severity of the disorder during their pre-menstrual period. Also 64.9% of acne sufferers indicated increase in severity during the rainy season, while 93.1% of the population implicated stress to perpetuate increase in severity of the disorder. Most (75.7%) of the acne sufferers believed that it is caused by oily diet, 40.8% thought that it is hereditary, while barely 5.2% had at sometime sought doctors attention. Non- prescription products used by acne sufferers were cleansers and cream/lotions. Psychological abnormalities experienced by the sufferers include: social inhibition, depression and anxiety. Pain and discomfort are the psychosomatic symptoms. No major differences were found in the beliefs, misconception and socio-psychological impact of acne sufferers in a black population (Nigeria) compared to the Caucasians. There is need to improve the understanding of the disorder in Nigeria through health education programmes.