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February 24, 2003 Research Update |
James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com
Calcium/Vit D vs Etidronate and Alendronate in Prevention of Fractures
This study determines that Calcium and Vit D are just as effective as reducing risk of fractures at a much, much reduced cost. Not to mention much less side effects. Seems like sort of a no-brainer to me, but I've seen and talked to alot of patients who were put on Fosamax without being given the recommendation to increase calcium intake.
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Dietary Fat Intake as Risk Factor for the Development of Diabetes
Let's see...increased animal fat is a risk factor for diabetes? This may seem like a no-brainer, but I'm sure the Atkin's diet people are out there scratching their collective heads saying that they thought high protein helped control insulin levels. Well, maybe lean proteins and wild game may contribute to a healthy lifestyle, but there are no good nutritionists on the planet that would agree that higher animal intakes protect against any chronic diseases. Dia Care -- Abstracts: Thanopoulou et al. 26 (2): 302
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Reduced glucose tolerance associated w/ poor memory and hippocampal atrophy among normal elderly
As much as people don't want to hear it, I consider Alzheimer's and many other forms of dementia as consequences of a Westernized diet. Here we see that poor glycemic control (dysglycemia, Syndrome X...) leads to poor mental functioning performance. Anyone worried about memory and brain performance needs to address glucose control. PNAS -- Abstracts: Convit et al. 100 (4): 2019
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Tender points are not sites of ongoing inflammation -in vivo evidence in patients with chronic tension-type headache
Wow!! What an insightful article!! There has been much debate currently about the use of "itis" when dealing with many musculoskeletal conditions (epicondylitis, tendonitis...). Many researchers now believe that many problems in tendons and muscles (including trigger points) are acually an avascular condition with no acute inflammation; refered to as an "osis" (i.e. tendonosis). That would mean that the gadzillions of NSAID scripts written for musculoskeletal conditions are just short of worthless. These same researchers believe that cortisone injections are not beneficial because of the cortisone, but rather because the needle itself induces injury and creates blood flow into the site of injury. I just returned from a seminar this weekend that strongly addresses the avascular nature of scar tissue/adhesion formations in musculoskeletal injuries. Synergy Abstract
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Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil results in increased transthyretin transcription in old rat hippocampus
If you know that transthyretin is a protein that scavenges amyloid protein in the brain, this article really contains some interesting info as it relates to Alzheimer's disease. Although this is a rat study, I'm sure we will find that the results transfer to humans. PNAS -- Abstracts: Puskás et al. 100 (4): 1580
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Differential effects of prostaglandin derived from omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids on COX-2 expression and IL-6 secretion
The whole concept that diet can influence the level of systemic inflammation is not followed by many in mainstream medicine and is rarely recommended. However, this article is just one of many that support the concept of an anti-inflammatory diet (and conversely, the pro-inflammatory diet). Dietary fats are a key foundation to this approach, with higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils, olive oils, most nuts and seeds) over omega 6 fatty acids (corn oils, mass produced animal meats...). PNAS -- Abstracts: Bagga et al. 100 (4): 1751 http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/100/4/1751?etoc
Experimental study of Mediterranean diet for rheumatoid arthritis
Ditto. Ann Rheum Dis -- Abstracts: Sköldstam et al. 62 (3): 208
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Mechanism converting stress into mononuclear cell activation
The explosion of the psychoneuroimmunology field began several years back with the findings of the interdigitations of the nervous system into the immune cells of the GI tract (the GALT, or gut activated lymphoid tissues), thus establishing the first identified connection between the GI and the nervous system. That field has only progressed and we are finding more connections between the brain's emotional aspects and the immune system. This rat study helps to elucidate the link between the endocrine system ("adrenaline rush") and activation of the immune system. PNAS -- Abstracts: Bierhaus et al. 100 (4): 1920
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Mode of delivery and risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma
More info to pile onto the "probiotics are essential for human health and we indiscriminately destroy them with antibiotics without regards for downstream negative health effects" stack... Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Online
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Role of Intestinal Flora in the Development of Allergy
I'm really getting to the point where I will not include any more info on probiotics and allergies--there is enough research and anecdotal evidence in the medical literature to pretty much solidify the concept. No more groundshaking news in this department. Unfortunately, the "coming soon to a doctor's office near you" commerical may still be several decades off.
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology Posted 02/10/2003 Marko Kalliomaki, Erika Isolauri Abstract and Introduction Purpose of Review: The frequency of allergic diseases is increasing worldwide. Experimental and clinical studies have linked a reduced number of early infections to this trend. The gastrointestinal system, which comprises the largest lymphoid tissue and microbial reservoir of the body, has received more attention during the last few years as a potential determiner in the development of atopic disease. Recent Findings: Alterations in intestinal microbiota have been detected both in infants suffering from allergic disease and in those later developing the disorder. Delay in the compositional development of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in gut microflora was a general finding in allergic children. In a subsequent study, perinatal administration of lactobacilli halved the later development of atopic eczema during the first 2 years of life. Specific strains of the healthy gut microbiota have been shown to induce the production of IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta, which possess an important regulative role in the development of allergic type immune response. Probiotics also strengthen gut defence barrier mechanisms and reduce antigen load in the gut. Pattern recognition receptors in intestinal epithelial and antigen-presenting cells have been demonstrated to mediate a continuing dialogue between host and gut microbiota. Summary: Despite several promising findings, the exact role of gut normal microbiota in the development of allergy remains to be elucidated. For successful interventions, more data concerning a communication between host and specific microbial species are needed.