A New Approach Based on Fuzzy Logic and Principal Component Analysis for the Classification of 2 D Maps : Application to a Lymphoma Case Study

Behavior studies have demonstrated neuroprotective effects of botanical preparations high in anti-oxidants including soy isoflavones and blueberries, however the molecular basis of these effects has not been understood. Recent reports have identified multiple protein alterations in Alzheimer’s disease brains, but which are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease is unknown. Using a combination of 2D electrophoresis, MALDITOF and LC-tandem mass spectrometry, as well as western blots of 2D gels, we have identified several proteins in rat brain that are altered following ingestion of diets supplemented with grape seed extract. The observed changes included both differential protein expression and alterations in modifications. Statistical analysis carried out on spot intensities without reference to the images confirmed each of the changes. Several of the protein changes detected were previously identified as differentially expressed or modified in AD brain. The changes we noted among these latter proteins were in the opposite direction of the changes noted in AD brain, relative to non-disease human brain. This is the first conclusive identification of specific protein targets for a botanical, as well as the first identification of such targets that are specifically linked to a disease. The fact that the direction of the changes is counter to that observed in disease suggests that ingestion of GSE has specific neuroprotective activity.