 An Inconvenient Number of Thymus Glands
Researchers have now identified a second thymus gland in mice—that’s
one more than you probably have. A second, or “ectopic,” thymus is
rarely present in humans after birth, and when it is, it’s usually considered
abnormal. In this study, however, an ectopic thymus was regularly found in adult
mice and is considered part of their normal development. The discovery of yet
another difference between mouse and human physiology threatens the validity
of immunological research done in mice.
Terszowski G, Muller SM, Bleul CC, et
al. Evidence for a functional second thymus in mice. Science. 2006
March 2; [Epub ahead of print].
It Does a Body Good
In spite of the dairy industry’s best efforts, milk consumption
in the United States declined for the 15th straight year. Per capita
fluid milk sales fell from 25.4 gallons in 1990 to 21.1 gallons
in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
 Adieu, la Difference!
Obesity and diabetes epidemics that began in the United States
20 years ago are now emerging in France, traditionally home to
one of the lowest obesity rates among westernized countries.
The Kaiser Permanente study followed 3,770 normal-weight French
men and women for six years. Twenty-one percent of participants
gained 19.8 pounds or more and developed metabolic syndrome,
a combination of conditions, including abdominal obesity, high
triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure,
and insulin resistance. The blame lies with the adoption of the
American lifestyle—fast foods, processed foods, soft drinks,
and little or no exercise.
Hillier TA, Fagot-Campagna A, Eschwege
E, Vol S, Cailleau M, Balkau B; the D.E.S.I.R. Study group. Weight
change and changes in the metabolic syndrome as the French population
moves towards overweight: the D.E.S.I.R. cohort. Int J Epidemiol. 2006
Feb;35(1):190-196.
 Still Searching for an Honest Fry
In February, Nadia Sugich, a Los Angeles resident who follows a
vegan diet, filed a class-action lawsuit against McDonald’s
for flavoring its french fries with dairy ingredients. The suit
came days after the company acknowledged the presence of wheat
and dairy products, in spite of earlier claims that the fries
were free of such potential allergens. Historically, McDonald’s
seems to have trouble keeping its french fry facts straight.
The company paid $10 million in 2002 and $8.5 million in 2005
to settle consumer suits over misleading public statements about
cooking oil contents.
EU’s ECVAM KOs Rabbit Tests
The Scientific Advisory Committee of the European Centre for the
Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) has validated six new
cell culture tests. The new tests establish the toxicity of cancer
drugs and identify bacteria-contaminated drugs with greater accuracy
than current animal-based test methods. By themselves, the cell
culture tests for contaminated drugs could save up to 200,000
rabbits a year. Tests validated by ECVAM are subject to approval
by the Scientific Advisory Committee, after which they can be
used in laboratories in 25 European nations.
European Commission,
Joint Research Centre (JRC) 23.03.2006.
Hand Me That Tape Measure
Waist circumference in children and adolescents predicts insulin
resistance, a risk factor for diabetes, independent of body mass
index (BMI). Abdominal obesity poses a health risk even when
BMI is not very high.
Lee S, Bacha F, Gungor N, Arslanian SA.
Waist circumference is an independent predictor of insulin resistance
in black and white youths. J Pediatr. 2006 Feb;148(2):188-194.
 Heart-Friendly Bacon Not on Horizon
A Harvard Medical School researcher recently announced the creation
of cloned, genetically engineered pigs with significant amounts
of omega-3 fatty acids—believed by some to stave off heart
disease (often brought on by foods like, um, pork). The omega-3-producing
gene comes from a microscopic roundworm.
Food and Drug Administration approval—never yet granted to
food derived from a genetically engineered animal—is only
one obstacle facing the project. A new British Medical
Journal study found no health benefit from omega-3.
Hooper L, Thompson RL, Harrison RA, et al. Risks and benefits of omega
3 fats for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: systemic
review. BMJ. 2006. Available at www.bjm.com,
accessed Mar. 24, 2006.
PCRM Illustrations - Doug Hall
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