Abstract: Methods for use in mobilizing triacylglycerol (TAG) in order to elevate apoliprotein B and Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) are described. In some embodiments, the method involves providing betaine in an amount of about 3 gm/kg of body weight per day in order to mobilize TAG. In some embodiments, serum VLDL is elevated as a result of mobilizing hepatic TAG. In some embodiments, the method includes restricting methionine intake to less than about 1 gm/kg of body weight per day. In some embodiments, the method includes feeding L-cysteine at a level of at least about 3 gm/kg of body weight per day. In some embodiments, the method includes feeding choline bitartrate at a level of about 1.25 gm/kg of body weight per day. Mobilizing hepatic TAG is effective to reduce hepatic steatosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing standards and controls for immunoassays employing monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are used to isolate a restricted portion of an antigen containing an epitope that determines the specificity of the monoclonal antibody-antigen reaction so as to distinguish it from the antigen as a whole, following fragmentation of the complex antigen by procedures including proteolysis. Isolated epitopes are attached covalently or by physical adsorption to particles to immobilize and stabilize the epitope. The particles can be composed of iodipamide ethyl ester, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and other inert substances and can be chemically activated to improve epitope binding and stability. Experimental details demonstrate the binding of lipoprotein epitopes to IDE, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene and the subsequent reaction of monoclonal antibodies to these particle-stabilized epitopes.