No or only population-specific effect of PON1 on human longevity: A comprehensive meta-analysis

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has been suggested as a plausible candidate gene for human longevity due to its modulation of cardiovascular disease risk, by preventing oxidation of atherogenic low-density lipoprotein. The role of the PON1 192 Q/R polymorphism has been analyzed for association with survival at old age in several populations, albeit with controversial results. To reconcile the conflicting evidence, we performed a large association study with two samples of 2357 Germans and 1025 French, respectively. We combined our results with those from seven previous studies in the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis on PON1 192 Q/R and longevity to-date, to include a total of 9580 individuals. No significant association of PON1 192 Q/R with longevity was observed, for either R allele or carriership. This finding relied on very large sample sizes, is supported by different analysis methods and is therefore considered very robust. Moreover, we have investigated a potential interaction of PON1 192 Q/R with APOE epsilon4 using data from four populations. Whereas a significant result was found in the German sample, this could not be confirmed in the other examined groups. Our large-scale meta-analysis provided no evidence that the PON1 192 Q/R polymorphism is associated with longevity, but this does not exclude the possibility of population-specific effects due to the influence of, and interaction between, different genetic and/or environmental factors (e.g. diet).

Mechanistic studies on human N-acetylgalactosamine kinase

N-Acetylgalactosamine kinase (GALK2) is a small molecule kinase from the GHMP family which phosphorylates N-acetylgalactosamine at the expense of ATP. Recombinant GALK2 expressed in, and purified from, Escherichia coli was shown to be active with the following kinetic parameters: Michaelis constant for ATP, 14 +/- 3 mu M; Michaelis constant for N-acetylgalactosamine, 40 +/- 14 mu M; and turnover number, 1.0 +/- 0.1 s

The effect of animals on human health and well-being

Substantial sums of money are invested annually in preventative medicine and therapeutic treatment for people with a wide range of physical and psychological health problems, sometimes to no avail. There is now mounting evidence to suggest that companion animals, such as dogs and cats, can enhance the health of their human owners and may thus contribute significantly to the health expenditure of our country. This paper explores the evidence that pets can contribute to human health and well-being. The article initially concentrates on the value of animals for short- and long-term physical health, before exploring the relationship between animals and psychological health, focusing on the ability of dogs, cats, and other species to aid the disabled and serve as a "therapist" to those in institutional settings. The paper also discusses the evidence for the ability of dogs to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of specific chronic diseases, notably cancer, epilepsy, and diabetes. Mechanisms underlying the ability of animals to promote human health are discussed within a theoretical framework. Whereas the evidence for a direct causal association between human well-being and companion animals is not conclusive, the literature reviewed is largely supportive of the widely held, and long-standing, belief that "pets are good for us." © 2009 The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.