The development of an automated and GMP compliant FASTlab™ Synthesis of [(18) F]GE-180; a radiotracer for imaging translocator protein (TSPO).

The level of the translocator protein (TSPO) increases dramatically in microglial cells when the cells are activated in response to neuronal injury and insult. The radiotracer [(18) F]GE-180 binds selectively and with high affinity to TSPO and can therefore be used to measure neuroinflammation in a variety of disease states. An optimized, automated synthesis of [(18) F]GE-180 has been developed for the GE FASTlab™ synthesizer. The entire process takes place on the single-use cassette. The radiolabelling is performed by nucleophilic fluorination of the S- enantiomer mesylate precursor. The crude product is purified post-radiolabelling using two solid-phase extraction cartridges integrated on the cassette. Experimental design and multivariate data analysis were used to assess the robustness, and critical steps were optimized with respect to efficacy and quality. The average radiochemical yield is 48% (RSD 6%, non-decay corrected), and the synthesis time including purification is approximately 43 min. The radiochemical purity is ≥95% for radioactive concentration ≤1100 MBq/mL. The total amount of precursor-related chemical impurities is 1-2 µg/mL. The use of solid-phase extraction purification results in a robust GMP compliant process with a product of high chemical and radiochemical purity and consistent performance across positron emission tomography (PET) centers.

[Monitoring the prevalence of obesity]. / Monitorering af forekomsten af fedme.

The Danish Fitness and Nutrition Council has proposed a model to monitor the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Denmark. The model should make it possible to assess whether different initiatives reduce the prevalence of obesity and to gain knowledge on how to prevent obesity. The prevalence of obesity should be estimated in a non-biased randomly selected sample of the population once yearly, using all available data from routine measurements and encouraging new measurements conducted in professional settings where routine data are not available.

A short-term intervention trial with selenate, selenium-enriched yeast and selenium-enriched milk: effects on oxidative defence regulation.

Increased Se intakes have been associated with decreased risk of cancer and CVD. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including antioxidant effects through selenoproteins, induction of carcinogen metabolism and effects on the blood lipid profile. In a 4 x 1 week randomised, double-blind cross-over study, healthy young men supplemented their usual diet with selenate, Se-enriched yeast, Se-enriched milk or placebo (Se dose was 300 microg/d for selenate and Se-enriched yeast, and about 480 microg/d for Se-enriched milk) followed by 8-week washout periods. All Se sources increased serum Se levels after supplementation for 1 week. The effect of the organic forms did not differ significantly and both increased serum Se more than selenate. Conversely, thrombocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was increased in the periods where subjects were supplemented with selenate but not in those where they were given Se-enriched yeast or Se-enriched milk. We found no effect on plasma lipid resistance to oxidation, total cholesterol, TAG, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, GPX, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities measured in erythrocytes, GPX and GR activities determined in plasma, or GR and GST activities in thrombocytes. Leucocyte expression of genes encoding selenoproteins (GPX1, TrR1 and SelP), and of electrophile response element-regulated genes (GCLC, Fra1 and NQO1) were likewise unaffected at all time points following intervention. We conclude that thrombocyte GPX is specifically increased by short-term selenate supplementation, but not by short-term supplementation with organic Se. Short-term Se supplementation does not seem to affect blood lipid markers or expression and activity of selected enzymes and a transcription factor involved in glutathione-mediated detoxification and antioxidation.

[Alcohol and lifestyle diseases]. / Alkohol og livsstilssygdomme.

The Danish Fitness and Nutrition Council evaluated the impact of moderate alcohol intake depending on drinking pattern, age, sex, and the type of beverage. A daily intake of approximately 1-3 units for men and approximately 1 unit for women is associated with the lowest risk of type 2-diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Binge drinking is more detrimental than a more steady alcohol intake. No clear association is found between alcohol and obesity. In contrast, alcohol intake is associated with increased risk of various cancers, e.g. a linear increased risk of breast cancer with every unit of alcohol is present.

[Prevention of obesity among children and adolescents--proposal for a strategy]. / Forebyggelse af overvaegt hos børn og unge--oplaeg til strategi.

The Danish Fitness and Nutrition Council has evaluated the basis for recommending strategies to prevent obesity among children and adolescents. There is limited evidence of a preventive effect from large population based interventions. It is possible, though, to change to a healthier lifestyle. Currently, many different Administrations conduct interventions against obesity, and it is suggested that an independent authority should be established whose primary aim is to reduce the prevalence of obesity and which will be responsible for the effort against obesity.