University of Texas Medical Branch

About: University of Texas Medical Branch is a education organization based out in Galveston, Texas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Virus. The organization has 22033 authors who have published 38268 publications receiving 1517502 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston & UTMB.

Predicting the energetics of osmolyte-induced protein folding/unfolding

Abstract: A primary thermodynamic goal in protein biochemistry is to attain predictive understanding of the detailed energetic changes that are responsible for folding/unfolding. Through use of recently determined free energies of side-chain and backbone transfer from water to osmolytes and Tanford's transfer model, we demonstrate that the long-sought goal of predicting solvent-dependent cooperative protein folding/unfolding free-energy changes (m values) can be achieved. Moreover, the approach permits dissection of the folding/unfolding free-energy changes into individual contributions from the peptide backbone and residue side chains.

Exogenous amino acids stimulate net muscle protein synthesis in the elderly.

Abstract: We have investigated the response of amino acid transport and protein synthesis in healthy elderly individuals (age 71+/-2 yr) to the stimulatory effect of increased amino acid availability. Muscle protein synthesis and breakdown, and amino acid transport were measured in the postabsorptive state and during the intravenous infusion of an amino acid mixture. Muscle-free amino acid kinetics were calculated by means of a three compartment model using data obtained by femoral arterio-venous catheterization and muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis during the infusion of stable isotope tracers of amino acids. In addition, muscle protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR) was measured. Peripheral amino acid infusion significantly increased amino acid delivery to the leg, amino acid transport, and muscle protein synthesis when measured either with the three compartment model (P < 0.05) or with the traditional precursor-product approach (FSR increased from 0. 0474+/-0.0054 to 0.0940+/-0.0143%/h, P < 0.05). Because protein breakdown did not change during amino acid infusion, a positive net balance of amino acids across the muscle was achieved. We conclude that, although muscle mass is decreased in the elderly, muscle protein anabolism can nonetheless be stimulated by increased amino acid availability. We thus hypothesize that muscle mass could be better maintained with an increased intake of protein or amino acids.

Improved Classification of Anemias by MCV and RDW

Abstract: New automated blood cell analyzers provide an index of red cell volume distribution width (RDW) or heterogeneity and a histogram display of red cell volume distribution We have developed a classification of red cell disorders, based on mean corpuscular volume (MCV) or red cell size, heterogeneity, and histograms, to guide diagnosis from the peripheral blood analysis The distinction of iron deficiency anemia from heterozygous thalassemia or the anemia of chronic disease and the detection of early iron and folate deficiency is improved Red cell volume distribution histograms identify red cell fragmentation or agglutination, dimorphic populations, and artifactual counting of lymphocytes as red cells We recommend the use of these new variables in the initial classification of anemia by the practicing physician