February 26, 2001 Research Update

James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiropractic.com
www.lifecarechiropractic.com

Bromination of deoxycytidine by eosinophil peroxidase: A mechanism for mutagenesis by oxidative damage of nucleotide precursors

I left the long title for effect. Basically, this article described one mechanism by which chronic inflammation can lead to DNA mutations and subsequent cancer. Inflammation contributes to so many other chronic diseases; why should cancer be any different?? PNAS -- Abstracts: Henderson et al. 98 (4): 1631 http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/98/4/1631

Nitroglycerin therapy vs Premarin in prevention of bone loss

This study suggests that nitrogylcerin applied topically may be as effective as HRT for preventing post-oopherectomy (ovaries surgical removed) bone loss. Such an easy, safe therapy based opon nitric oxides' effect on bone. Nitroglycerin as well as arginine are precursors to nitric oxide in the bloodstream. Arginine supplementation has also been shown to lower blood pressure, therby reducing risk of heart disease. To top it all off, side effetcs of arginine are rare, and it is much, much cheaper than Premarin. Oh--and it doesn't increase risk of breast and endometrial cancer... Entrez-PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11092405&dopt=Abstract

Dietary micronutrients/antioxidants and bronchial asthma severity

This article compares nutrient levels between asthmatic and normal patients and found no differences. Once again, however, this study did not use RBC levels of these nutrients, which I feel is a much more accurate view of antioxidant and micronutrient status. Interestingly, this study did note reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase in severe asthmatics. Glutathione peroxidase is a major enzyme that the body uses to protect itself from oxidative stress. This does suggest that severe asthmatics may have a reduced ability to protect themselves against oxidative stress. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=al%2E2001%2E1&filetype=abstracts&article=88896

Vit C Augments the Inotropic Response to Dobutamine

This study found that vitamin C will actually increase the ability of the left ventricle to contract (under the influence of dubutamine). This stongly suggests that Vit C should be added to the list of nutrients that may prove beneficial in patients with congestive heart failure. Add to that list exercise, coenzyme Q10, hawthorne, Vit E, carnitine and dietary changes and we can begin to see a safe and very effective method to manage patients with CHF. Circulation -- Abstracts: Mak and Newton 103 (6): 826 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/103/6/826

Dyslipidemia, Fatty Acids Predict Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in 20 Yrs

What a wonderful article illustrating the power and potential for preventative medicine in preventing disease. A group of 475 men were followed for 20 years after an initial profile of fatty acids and cholesterol was obtained. High levels of linoleic acid were shown to protect the heart, while cholesterol and certain other saturated fatty acids were associated with left ventricular damage. Twenty years is a long, long lead time for a disease predictor... Circulation -- Abstracts: Sundström et al. 103 (6): 836 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/fulltextpub.html

Regression of gastric MALT lymphoma after anti-H pylori treatment

Those of you who follow these updates know how I feel about H. pylori and how medicine has a search and destroy attitude with this bacterium even though we have little true knowledge about why it's there and how it got there. However, the increased regression by 23% with eradication is quite an accomplishment... Gut -- Abstracts: Ruskoné-Fourmestraux et al. 48 (3): 297 http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/48/3/297

Role of INF-gamma in promoting Th 1 responses in coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an allergy to gluten, primarily found in wheat. Coeliac disease is the result of a Th1 cytokine response--the branch of the immune system that is responsible for the "attack" mode towards invaders. By continuing to eat wheat that the body is allergic to, a patient with coeliac disease will perputuate this unbalanced reaction of the immune system; potentially effecting other systems in the body. Coeliac disease has been linked to Alzheimers, diminished bone mass and neurological problems (ataxia) among others. Avoiding gluten is a foundation in any functional medicine approach to health. Gut -- Abstracts: Monteleone et al. 48 (3): 425 http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/48/3/425

The fetal origins of adult disease

This is a nice editorial reviewing the evidence that suggests a strong influence on adult disease from fetal health and birthweight. More and more studies are confirming that the maternal environment as the fetus develops plays a major factor in future health. This means that "prenatal" care needs to extend far beyond the use of a poor quality prescription prenatal vitamin (which, by the way, are typically very poor quality; loaded with chemicals used for processing that don't need to be there...). Prenatal care needs to address maternal diet, nutrient intake, avoidance of chemicals and incorporation of exercise. bmj.com Robinson 322 (7283): 375 http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/322/7283/375