New Topics

Here are some topics that I am working on for articles in the near future:

Cyclodextrins: These interesting bracelets of sugar molecules show how sugars bind to flat aromatic rings structures, such as aromatic amino acids and alkaloids. This molecule illustrates why I am interested in the interplay of heparin, inflammation and disease.

Vitamin D: This vitamin is a prohormone that binds to a cytoplasmic protein and then acts like a transcription factor to control gene expression. It is also synthesized by a reaction that required ultraviolet light in the skin and it is stored in fat. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to cancer and many of the same chronic diseases associated with inflammation. Interestingly the ends of some collagen molecules have structures that are similar to the serum transport proteins for steroids.

COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an inflammatory disease that is unfortunately very common.

Asthma: This allergic condition causes major restructuring of airways in response to inflammation. Atomized heparin has been used as a treatment to minimize inflammation.

Suggestions: I am always looking for suggestions of topic that are of special interest to my readers, so if you would like a subject discussed, just leave a comment.