|
February 11, 2002 Research Update |
James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com
Weight Loss Reduces CRP Levels in Obese Postmenopausal Women
C-Reative protein is increasingly being recognized as a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, I had a patient in her mid thirties that we identified high CRP levels that we reduced greatly by avoidance of refined carbs... Circulation -- Abstracts: Tchernof et al. 105 (5): 564
Click here for more information
Insulin Causes Endothelial Dysfunction in Humans
Mark this one down...this is another article in the developing saga of the relationship between hyperinsulinemia and hypertension. Many doctors focus on salt reduction in hypertensive patients, and yet education about whole grains vs refined carbs may be time better spent... Circulation -- Abstracts: Arcaro et al. 105 (5): 576
Click here for more information
Effects of Diet and Simvastatin on Lipids, Insulin, and Antioxidants
This studied evaluated the potentiating ability of a Mediterranean-type diet to a standard pharmaceutical regimine. The dietary changes in this study have some strong effects on certain risk factors for CVD. I would suggest dropping the simvastatin and adding exercise and possibly a natural cholesterol lowering compound such as garlic, niacin, policosanol or guggulipids.
Click here for more information
Repeated infliximab, a chimeric anti-TNF alpha, in spondyloarthropathy
While there are definate short term benefits to blocking a major player in the body's immune response, I am very concerned with the long term dangers. With this therapy, we are blocking the cytokine that maintains vigilance against cancer cells and invaders. Of additional concern in this study is that, after each infusion, more and more patients had recurrences. In addition, anti-DNA antibodies were noted in 57% of patients. These antibodies attack our own DNA. Ann Rheum Dis -- Abstracts: Kruithof et al. 61 (3): 207
Click here for more information
Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes w/ Lifestyle vs Metformin
I must say the the pharmaceuticals are trying to figure out how this one got out! Lifestyle intervention was more effective than metformin for lowering conversion from high risk to diabetic. The other beautiful thing is that lifestyle intervention also reduces risk of a huge list of other chronic and acute diseases with NO side effects. Metformin, on the other hand, can affect the liver and can produce life threatening metabolic acidosis. Which would you pick? NEJM -- Abstracts: Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group 346 (6): 393
Click here for more information
Systematic review of RCTs of over the counter cough medicines
Can you say "dogma?" There are many things we do everyday when we get sick that, if we take a step back and truly look at, have no evidence supporting the procedure. Look at fever-lowering--never been any studies done to show it's effective (and several to show it prolongs infection). This one should be plastered on the news, but I haven't heard it anywhere yet.. bmj.com Abstracts: Schroeder and Fahey 324 (7333): 329
Click here for more information
Metformin on Early Pregnancy Loss in the Polycystic Ovary
I think this is somewhat of a landmark article. Not that the concepts are, but to see them all together is always exciting. A few interesting things here. First, using metformin, which increases insulin sensitivity, can dramatically drop the risk of miscarriage in patients with PCOS. PCOS has been linked strongly with hyperinsulinemia and this would be a natural progression from there. Interestingly, the standard OB/GYN approach the PCOS is the birth control pill, which is well documented to increase insulin resistance. Go figure that one out!! And, of course, instead of metformin I would rather see a program of exercise, whole grain instead of refined carb intake, and supplementation with chromium, vanadium and possibly CLA. JCEM -- Abstracts: Jakubowicz et al. 87 (2): 524
Click here for more information
No harm from five year ingestion of oats in coeliac disease
Oats do contain some gluten which has always prompted the recommendation to stay away from oats in patients with coeliac disease. I have always found these tough recommendations and have allowed patients to eat oat on an elimination diet. I am glad that current research seems to support this concept. Given how prevalent gluten insensivity is and how hard it is to eliminate just wheat without any thought to also eliminating oats, this finding will make life a little easier on some patients. Gut -- Abstracts: Janatuinen et al. 50 (3): 332
Click here for more information