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August 22, 2002 Research Update |
James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com
CRH Stimulation Test in White Coat Hypertension
Recall that the adrenal axis is the route by which the body responds to stress. Epinephrine can raise blood pressure. Here we see that white coat hypertension may be due to hypersensitivity of this system. Overreaction can be modified in several ways, including exercise, adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng and B vitamin support (primarily B5). Unfortunately, this approach is usually outside of the "box" for many doctors encountering white coat hypertension.
JCEM -- Abstracts: Tabeta et al. 87 (8): 3672
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p53 Tumor Suppressor Down-Regulation by 17ß-Estradiol
The evidence continues to mount for estrogen being a carcinogen. Here we start seeing the potential biochemical reasoning for this outcome. Remember, however, that estrogen (as produced by the body) is a naturally occurring substance and serves its purpose. I firmly believe that the body, in its wisdom, downregulates production of certain hormones as we age as a protective mechanism. Evidence strongly supports this theory for estrogen and HRT.
JCEM -- Abstracts: Gao et al. 87 (8): 3915
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TNF Receptor 2 Gene and Polycystic Ovary, Hyperandrogenism
We're getting into some heavy biochemistry here, but the concept is similar to those in past Updates. We are starting to identify genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) that can affect our body's response to our environment. Here we see a genetic variant in a receptor for TNF-alpha. Recall that TNF-alpha upregulates our immune system and blockade of its action is a new therapeutic target in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. With the genotype in this study, patients were shown to have increased risk for PCOS and hyperandrogenism. Aggressive natural approaches to TNF-alpha lowering in these patients (managing insulin resistance, exercise...) may yield better outcomes or even prevention.
JCEM -- Abstracts: Peral et al. 87 (8): 3977
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Response of the HPA Axis to High-Protein/Fat, High-Carbohydrate Meals in Women with Different Obesity Phenotypes
Don't let the long title scare you...we are seeing the genesis of a new approach to weight management tailored to an individuals' genotype in this study. This study suggests that those women with abdominal distribution of body fat have less stress response to a meal high in fat and protein vs a meal high in carbohydrate. This reaction was not seen in women with peripheral fat distribution. It would be interesting to see this same study done with close attention to the type of carbs ingested by the patient and see if the response differed.
JCEM -- Abstracts: Vicennati et al. 87 (8): 3984
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Awareness of the Risks of Heatstroke and Dietary Supplements
This article points to the finding that amphetamine derivatives and creatine may contribute to dehydration and heatstroke in football players. Although creatine does appear to be one of the few "wonder meathead supplements" (as opposed to whey protein, chromium, DHEA and androstenedione) that actually have research supporting their use in athletic and fitness training, caution should always be observed. I am strongly against their use in anyone younger that 18 (i.e. out of high school). Prior to this age the system is still growing and potentially more sensitive to insults and/or abnormal muscle growth that may affect tendons and ligaments in the future.
The Neurosurgeon in Sport: Awareness of the Risks of Heatstroke and Dietary Supplements
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No Association between Antibiotics in 1st Year of Life and Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, or Eczema at Age 5 Years
I have included this report just to show how fair and unbiased I am in my research. Okay, so I'm actually just including it to better set up the next article...
AJRCCM -- Abstracts: Celedón et al. 166 (1): 72
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Hygiene levels associated w/ wheezing, eczema in preschool infants
If you follow the concept of Th1/Th2 balance of the immune system (search prior Updates on the website for additional information on this topic) then a certain level of exposure to antigens (primarily bacterial) are required for healthy development of the Th1 system. This article supports this hypothesis. There is also ample additional evidence to suggest that a normal bacterial flora is also essential for this process, and that antibiotic use will disrupt this. I realize the above article comes to a different conclusion, but with research you always need to step back and look at the totality of the evidence--this is usually where the more real truth lies.
ADC -- Abstracts: Sherriff et al. 87 (1): 26
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Serum potassium level and dietary intake as risk factors for stroke
While the fact that potassium lowers stroke risk is not a great shocker, what is surprising is the odds ratio (a marker for just how much of an increased risk in incurred) for patients currently taking diuretics and having a low serum potassium level at 2.5x the risk. This is quite a jump, especially considering that many diuretics result in loss of potassium from the kidneys...
Neurology -- Abstracts: Green et al. 59 (3): 314
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Benefit of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F in rheumatoid arthritis
That's the beauty of natural medicine...just when you think you have at least a partial grasp on many therapeutic against you get hit with a curve. When I first read this I thought it was a new approach to RA, but apparently this agent has had some rather extensive history of use for other autoimmune conditions, including systemic lupus erthythematous.
Entrez-PubMed
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