Amyloidogenic potential of foie gras

Amyloidogenic potential of foie gras.

The human cerebral and systemic amyloidoses and prion-associated spongiform encephalopathies are acquired or inherited protein folding disorders in which normally soluble proteins or peptides are converted into fibrillar aggregates. This is a nucleation-dependent process that can be initiated or accelerated by fibril seeds formed from homologous or heterologous amyloidogenic precursors that ser...

Disagrees with AVMA stand on foie gras production.

Influenza surveillance on ‘foie gras’ duck farms in Bulgaria, 2008–2012

OBJECTIVES Ducks can shed and spread influenza A viruses (IAVs) while showing no disease signs. Our objective was to clarify the role of 'foie gras' ducks in the circulation of IAVs in Bulgaria. METHODS Monthly avian influenza surveillance was conducted on 63 'foie gras' duck farms, 52 of which were surveyed throughout the study between November 2008 and April 2012. Virologic and serologic sa...

A genetic screen in zebrafish identifies the mutants vps18, nf2 and foie gras as models of liver disease.

Hepatomegaly is a sign of many liver disorders. To identify zebrafish mutants to serve as models for hepatic pathologies, we screened for hepatomegaly at day 5 of embryogenesis in 297 zebrafish lines bearing mutations in genes that are essential for embryonic development. Seven mutants were identified, and three have phenotypes resembling different liver diseases. Mutation of the class C vacuol...

1 Force Feeding : An Examination of Available Scientific Evidence

The debate over foie gras has been marked by much emotion. Opponents of foie gras refer mainly to personal feelings and observations rather than from experimental approaches. Opponents generally assert that the “cruelty” is quite obvious and there is, therefore, no need for scientific investigation. In an effort to answer factually questions about the science of foie gras production on geese an...