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December 5, 2002 Research Update |
James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com
Osteoporosis, Fractures in Postmenopausal Women Using Estrogen
The house of cards is certainly coming down. Here we see a ten year study on ERT use and risk of fractures. Basically, the results do show ERT users as "somewhat" better protected. "Somewhat??" Increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer and heart disease and all we get is "somewhat" better protected? And, for those of you into research statistics, the p value was only .05 (the p value is an indicator of how likely these results were due to pure chance and not a protective effect). A p value of .05 is not really anything to brag about.
Osteoporosis and Fractures in Postmenopausal Women Using Estrogen
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Effect of L. plantarum on CVD risk factors in smokers
Wow...talk about cutting across organ systems!! This study shows many cardiovascular benefits (inflammatory markers, lipids, BP, fibrinogen and leptin) from probiotic use. A gastrointestinal intervention resulting in multi-factorial cardiovascular benefits. Go figure. Now if only gastroenterologists would recognize that probiotic therapy actually exists. And if only they would mention this benefit to cardiologists...
And if only pigs could fly.
AJCN -- Abstracts: Naruszewicz et al. 76 (6): 1249
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Comparison of antioxidant effects of Concord grape juice flavonoids & alpha-tocopherol on markers of oxidative stress
While the findings that flavonoids in grape juice have potent antioxidant properties should not drop anyone's jaw, this is a good time to remind everyone that, while we throw on our blinders and look only at cholesterol as the "bad guy" in CVD, the reality is that LDL cholesterol does not do any damage until the LDL itself gets damaged. The flavonoids in grape juice protect the LDL from becoming oxidized.
AJCN -- Abstracts: O'Byrne et al. 76 (6): 1367
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Nut and Peanut Butter on Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women
While the results on this study are certainly good to hear, I do have a problem with both the results and the way this information was given out by the media (and geez!! It sure did come out fast!!). The study did not differentiate between real and the processed gunk commonly referred to as peanut butter. True peanut butter ingredients should read "peanuts." Sounds like a simple, good idea, huh? Unfortunately, most peanut butter (Jif, Skippy...) has been processed to make it a solid at room temp and extend the shelf life. This processing increases the trans fatty acid content, opening up a realm of bad health effects. Stick with peanut butter that separates the oil out in the jar and needs to be refrigerated after opening.
Nut and Peanut Butter Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women
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Curcumin prevents trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid–induced colitis in mice
While seems like a long title, curcimin is an anti-inflammatory spice used in alot of indian foods like curry. It is well known for its beneficial effects on inflammation and cancer reduction. Here we see a mouse study showing a benefit with intestinal inflammation seen in colitis.
Gastroenterology Online
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Full-thickness biopsy of the jejunum reveals inflammation and enteric neuropathy in irritable bowel syndrome
For those of you out there battling IBS, this study should really give you a sense of justification. Many patients with IBS have frequently been led to believe that there symptoms are psychosomatic in origin because there are few objective findings, and have been treating with such medications as antidepressants. That's not to say that emotional factors do not influence the symptoms of IBS, but this study backs up the fact that there is a bonafide physiological alteration to be found. Also, stool analysis tests also frequently provide objective findings that can be effectively treated with natural therapeutics.
Gastroenterology Online
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Mercury, Fish Oils, and the Risk of Myocardial Infarction
Mercury's contribution to heart disease (with special emphasis on dilated cardiomyopathy) is rapidly gaining ground. Of concern is the mercury burden in many of todays' commonly consumed fish. Keep in mind that it is important to identify potential sources of mercury exposure, evaluate body burden with tests such as heavy metal hair analysis and treat with chelation therapies.
NEJM -- Abstracts: Guallar et al. 347 (22): 1747
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Here is a website from the FDA with mercury levels...
FDA/CFSAN - Mercury Levels in Seafood Species
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Prunes on the ratio of 2- to 16alpha-hydroxyestrone
Remember that estrogens can be broken down by several pathways in the body, with the 2-hydroxyestrone pathway being considered protective and the 16- pathway being genotoxic. Thus, the 2/16 ratio has been shown to be a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast and endometrial. Brassica family of veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts) are well known to favorably effect this ratio. Seems we can add prune juice to the list.
AJCN -- Abstracts: Kasim-Karakas et al. 76 (6): 1422
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Rapid Allergy Shots in One Office Visit May Be Safe for Children
Have we lost all sense of reason and common sense???? This report from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests that it is safe to give multple doses of certain allergy shots in one day to obtain the desired immunological response. As if this alone shouldn't raise an eyebrow (I'm sure every 5 year old would jump at the chance for two sets of shots in one day) the authors suggest pretreatment for two days with prednisolone and antihistamines. Huh? At one point do we take a step back and decide that we are overmedicating our children?
60th Annual Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Accelerated schedules of allergy shots may present little risk of systemic reactions, suggest findings presented here Tuesday at the meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Immunization levels that usually require 6 months to achieve can be obtained through rapid immunization within a single 2.5-hour visit, said investigator Dr. William Smits. Rapid immunization is also "more user-friendly for the office-based practice.""We have to show our non-allergist colleagues that this works," Dr. Smits said.Others have reported more adverse events with accelerated schedules of allergy shots, he added. But Dr. Smits and colleagues' retrospective analysis of 37 children treated for allergic rhinitis at their private clinic, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, yielded no instances of systemic reaction.Children between 3 and 15 years were included. Two thirds had asthma, and those with an FEV1 of less than 70% were not considered eligible. There was no control group.All were pretreated with prednisolone and an antihistamine for 2 days prior to the day of accelerated injections.Localized reactions to shots affected two patients (5%) within 3 months, but these patients resumed a conventional regular vaccination schedule following the reactions. Three patients (8.1%) complained of localized reactions on the day of injection that were mild and did not require treatment."Our interest is to make this a safe procedure," Dr. Smits said. "I predict in 5 years all allergists will be doing this."Dr. Smits noted that better compliance should result with the rapid schedule, as patients start to feel better faster, within 1 month or 2.At 3 months, 92% of patients were compliant, as were 75% after 1 year, Dr. Smits said, "which is an improvement over our [usual] rate of 60%, and the published rates.